play a part in

play a part in — idiom

1. if someone or something plays a part in an event or situation, they are one of t

1.idiomB1
Definition

if someone or something plays a part in an event or situation, they are one of the things that make it happen or affect the way it develops.

Example

Jude played an important part in getting the community garden project started.

play an important part in + gerund (getting)

The manager said the new software played a big part in reducing customer wait times.

Common collocations
  • play an important part in
  • play a key part in
  • play a significant part in
  • play a major part in
Synonyms
Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

play a part in + noun/gerund

play an important/key part in + noun/gerund

Usage Note

The degree of involvement is often emphasized with adjectives such as 'important', 'key', 'significant', or 'major' placed before 'part'.

Common Mistakes

The new policy played a part to improve safety.
The new policy played a part in improving safety.
'play a part' must be followed by 'in', not 'to'.

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/1

While all three alternatives describe taking part in something, they differ in emphasis and register. 'Play a part in' suggests being one factor among several, without specifying the size of the contribution. 'Contribute to' places more focus on a positive, concrete effect — you contribute to a fund or a result. 'Be involved in' is the broadest and most neutral option; it simply states participation without implying influence. 'Have a hand in' is informal and often implies hands-on or deliberate involvement — for example, 'a few designers had a hand in the new logo.' Use 'play a part in' when you want to show something was one of multiple causes or contributors.

contribute tobe involved inhave a hand in

Etymology

English

The idiom 'play a part' comes from the world of theater, where an actor 'plays a part' (performs a role) in a play. By the 18th century, it had spread into general use to mean 'fulfill a function' or 'be a factor' in any situation, not just on stage.