they play the role of parents vs they play the roles of parents

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'They play the role of parents' is used when referring to a single role that multiple people are collectively performing. On the other hand, 'They play the roles of parents' is used when each person is playing a distinct role. The choice between singular and plural depends on whether the focus is on the collective role or individual roles.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 546 views

they play the role of parents

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when referring to a single role that multiple people are collectively performing. It emphasizes the shared responsibility or function.

Examples:

In the school play, they play the role of parents to the main character.

Show examples from the web [+]

The Commission should therefore play the role of mediator here.
In a way, they play the role of the printers, which does not mean that they can print whatever they like, but their responsibility is not unlimited.
The role of financial institutions is often overlooked but they play a major role in carrying out industrial policy objectives by either accepting or rejecting risk and through their degree of accessibility.
These crops offer protection against erosion and desertification and play the role of firebreaks.
Patty's asked him to play the role of ray fiske.
So, someone has to play the role of a victim.
I want you to play the role of apologetic lover and husband.
But I have to play the role of a good father.
Jeff, I think you should play the role of my father.
He likes to play the role of cult expert and some sort of self-styled deprogrammer.
And I thought Kurt could play the role of Frank-n-furter.
I'd like you to play the role of the creature.
Always having to play the role of Patty Hewes.
Ben was authorized to commit minor crimes to play the role of a criminal.
I call on the Commission to stop supporting the Council and play the role of an arbitrator.
Always having to play the role of Patty Hewes.
But General, this time you play the role of Eisenhower.
You just have to play the role of my friend.
The EU cannot simply play the role of a subordinate paymaster.
So here's your chance to play the role of the supportive best man.

Alternatives:

they perform the role of parents
they act as the parents

they play the roles of parents

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when each person is playing a distinct role as parents. It highlights the individual contributions or portrayals.

Examples:

In the movie, they play the roles of parents to different children.

Show examples from the web [+]

The Commission should therefore play the role of mediator here.
In a way, they play the role of the printers, which does not mean that they can print whatever they like, but their responsibility is not unlimited.
The role of financial institutions is often overlooked but they play a major role in carrying out industrial policy objectives by either accepting or rejecting risk and through their degree of accessibility.
These crops offer protection against erosion and desertification and play the role of firebreaks.
Patty's asked him to play the role of ray fiske.
So, someone has to play the role of a victim.
I want you to play the role of apologetic lover and husband.
But I have to play the role of a good father.
Jeff, I think you should play the role of my father.
He likes to play the role of cult expert and some sort of self-styled deprogrammer.
And I thought Kurt could play the role of Frank-n-furter.
I'd like you to play the role of the creature.
Always having to play the role of Patty Hewes.
Ben was authorized to commit minor crimes to play the role of a criminal.
I call on the Commission to stop supporting the Council and play the role of an arbitrator.
Always having to play the role of Patty Hewes.
But General, this time you play the role of Eisenhower.
You just have to play the role of my friend.
The EU cannot simply play the role of a subordinate paymaster.
So here's your chance to play the role of the supportive best man.

Alternatives:

each of them plays the role of a parent
they take on the roles of parents

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they play the role of parents vs they play the roles of parents