We often say something/someone plays a ... role in something. But what if the subject is in a plural form? For example dogs. Can I say "dogs play a big role in the security" or should I say "dogs play big roles in the security" In some article, people even say "dogs play big role" Which one is correct or more naturally used?
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2 Answers
They are both correct, but have different meanings.
"Dogs play big roles..." <-- This says that there are multiple different and important roles that are fulfilled by dogs in general.
"Dogs play a big role..." <-- This means that dogs in general play a common important role.
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Maulik V's answer also pointed out a fair point -- it may be headlinese, that special application of a language that the press uses to save space, and in some cases sow some mild confusion to sell papers / get clicks.– LiveMyndCommented Jul 8, 2015 at 11:23
When you use 'plural', you still count them as one entity, don't you? That said, if one dog plays a big role in securing something, many dogs collectively play the same role.
Thus, it's fine to say...
Dogs play a big role in...
As far as your link is concerned, it's headlinese where authors take all freedom to eat up the articles! :)
answered Jul 8, 2015 at 4:37
