2025-03-04 Verbs to use with ‘role’ – English In A Minute

Introduction

A role is the behaviour of a person in a specific situation. There are some words that we often use together. These are called collocations. Learn some of the verbs that we often use with the noun ‘role’ with Beth.

Common collocations with ‘role’

play a role
If you play a role, you act as something or someone else. 

• I’m playing the lead role in the summer musical.

perform a role
If you perform a role, you do certain jobs or tasks.

• He’s been performing the role of waiter this week because the restaurant is so short-staffed.

take on a role
If you take on a role, you do a task or job that you don’t normally do.

• Aside from your normal job, could you take on the role of developer next week?

define a role
If you define a role, you are the person that says what the responsibilities and tasks are of a particular position.

• If we’re creating a new position, make sure you define the role clearly in the job advert.