Meaning & use
our role
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
the function, part, or purpose that we have in a group, situation, or activity
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase. It often appears with 'in' or 'as': 'our role in the project', 'our role as teachers'. 'Role' is countable, so you can say 'our roles' when talking about more than one.
Patterns
- our role in something
- our role as something
- play a role
Our role in the community is to help families in need.
The manager explained our role as team leaders during the meeting.
We need to be clear about our role in this project before we start.
phrasefixed phrase
the character that we act in a play, film, or similar performance
Grammar: Used in the context of acting. It refers to the part played by 'us' (a group or a person representing a group).
Patterns
- our role in a play
- play our role
In the school play, our role was to be the chorus.
The director said our role would be the most important in the second act.
Common combinations
- our role in
- Our role in the decision-making process is limited.
- our role as
- Our role as parents is to keep our children safe.
- define our role
- The boss asked us to define our role more clearly.
- play our role
- Each of us must play our role to make the event a success.
Synonyms and how they differ
- function
- Similar meaning, but 'function' is more about the purpose or duty of a thing or person, and is slightly more formal.
- part
- Can mean the same as 'role' in a group, but 'part' is more general and can also mean a piece of something.
- duty
- Means something you must do; 'role' is about the position or function, not necessarily an obligation.
Word family
- role noun
- the function or part someone has
- role-play noun
- an activity where people act out a situation
Commonly confused: our role or roll?
our role vs roll
Sounds the same but means to turn over, or a small bread. 'Role' is the part you play; 'roll' is a different word.
Practice
Complete the sentence: 'We discussed our role ___ the new project.'
Choose one answer.
The correct preposition is 'in' when talking about a role within a project or situation. 'On' is used for committees or teams (e.g., 'on the committee'), but 'role in' is the standard phrase. 'At' and 'for' do not fit this context.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “our role”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.