Meaning & use
vital role
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Meanings
phrasecountable
an extremely important part or function that someone or something has in a situation, process, or organization
Grammar: Used especially in the pattern play a vital role in something. The article an is almost always needed.
Patterns
- play a vital role in something
- have a vital role in something
- a vital role for someone/something
Teachers play a vital role in shaping young people's lives.
The internet now has a vital role in how we communicate.
She played a vital role in getting the project finished on time.
phrasecountable
a character in a play or film whose actions are essential to the story
Grammar: Used mainly in reviews and discussions of acting; often with play or take on.
Patterns
- play a vital role
- take on a vital role
The actor plays a vital role in the second half of the film.
She took on a vital role in the new TV drama.
Common combinations
- play a vital role in
- Volunteers play a vital role in the local community.
- a vital role for
- There is a vital role for schools in teaching healthy habits.
- recognize someone's vital role
- The report recognizes the vital role of nurses during the crisis.
- a vital role to play
- Parents have a vital role to play in their children's education.
Synonyms and how they differ
- key role
- Very similar in meaning, but key role is slightly more common in business and formal writing.
- crucial role
- Almost the same; crucial can sound a little stronger and more urgent than vital.
- essential part
- Focuses on being necessary rather than important; it often replaces role when talking about a process.
Opposites
Commonly confused: vital role or vital? vital role or roll?
vital role vs vital
Vital is an adjective meaning 'extremely important' or 'necessary for life'. Vital role is the whole phrase; don't use vital alone to mean a role.
vital role vs roll
Roll is a different word (to turn over, or a small round bread). Role is the part someone plays. They sound the same in American English.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
The fixed pattern is play a vital role in something, with the article a. Option 1 uses on, which is wrong. Option 2 is missing a. Option 3 uses for, which does not fit the meaning 'during the process'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “vital role”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.