起作用qǐ zuò yòng(起影响) play a part (in):他们对保卫和平起着越来越重要的作用。 They are playing an increasingly important part (role) in safeguarding peace.(产生效果)take effect:很明显,他的话在起作用了。 His words were taking effect, which was clear.(兼作) function:有些英语形容词起副词作用。 Some English adverbs function as adjectives.