a key instrument of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key instrument of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that plays a crucial role or function in a particular context or system. Example: "Education is a key instrument of social change, enabling individuals to improve their circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Culture, Hall and his colleagues recognised, was a key instrument of political and social control.

The Guardian

For both regimes, making people anonymous in death was a key instrument of state terror.

The New Yorker

"Enforced disappearance has become a key instrument of state policy in Egypt," said Amnesty's Middle East and North Africa director Philip Luther.

The Guardian

The report called forced disappearances, where the victim vanishes into a large security facility and is denied contact with their family or legal representation, "a key instrument of state policy in Egypt".

The Guardian

In the government's antitrust suit, the Windows A.P.I.'s were portrayed as a key instrument of the company's control of the industry -- enabling Microsoft to withhold or delay rivals' access to that technology.

The New York Times

But the Government is reluctant to privatize the largest state-owned industries and banks because they provide jobs, housing, medical care for millions of Chinese -- and because they are a key instrument of Communist Party control.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"I hope we can keep it low but I suspect council tax will be a key instrument to offset some of the worse excesses of cuts, and I hope the public can understand that".

BBC

However, practical training is a key instrument for the correct administration of adrenaline [ 19], which means that an alarming lack of correct instruction and know-how exists.

BMC Pediatrics

The plasma control system is a key instrument for successfully investigating the physics of burning plasma at ITER.

Fusion Engineering and Design

FP6 will be a key instrument for implementing the EU's vision of a European Research Area (ERA).

Science Magazine

Motor signals in electromyography evoked through brain stimulation are a key instrument in diagnosis of neural lesions and the study of neurophysiology.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a key instrument of", ensure that the noun following 'of' is specific and clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "a key instrument of policy implementation" rather than just "a key instrument."

Common error

Avoid using "a key instrument of" as a filler phrase. Instead, opt for stronger, more descriptive language that specifies the instrument's exact role. For example, instead of saying "technology is a key instrument of progress", consider "technology drives progress by facilitating innovation and efficiency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key instrument of" functions as a modifier, specifically working as an adjective phrase that describes a noun. It indicates that something is an essential or crucial tool or means for achieving a particular purpose or outcome. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which showcase diverse subjects being described as essential through this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a key instrument of" is a grammatically correct and usable way to describe something essential or crucial. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not overly frequent, it appears most commonly in News & Media and Science contexts. To use it effectively, ensure the noun following 'of' is specific to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "a vital component of" or "an essential tool for" to vary your language. Avoid overuse in generic contexts to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vital component of

Replaces 'instrument' with 'component', emphasizing the phrase's role as a part of a larger whole.

a crucial element of

Substitutes 'instrument' with 'element', highlighting the phrase's fundamental importance.

an essential tool for

Uses 'tool' instead of 'instrument', focusing on the phrase's function as a means to achieve a goal, and replaces 'of' with 'for'.

a fundamental aspect of

Replaces 'instrument' with 'aspect', shifting the emphasis to a characteristic or feature.

an important means of

Uses 'means' instead of 'instrument', highlighting the phrase's role as a method or way of achieving something.

a central mechanism for

Substitutes 'instrument' with 'mechanism', suggesting a process or system at play, and replaces 'of' with 'for'.

a significant factor in

Replaces 'instrument' with 'factor', emphasizing the phrase's contribution to a particular result, and replaces 'of' with 'in'.

a critical resource for

Replaces 'instrument' with 'resource', focusing on the phrase's value as a source of support or assistance, and replaces 'of' with 'for'.

a primary driver of

Substitutes 'instrument' with 'driver', emphasizing the phrase's role in propelling or motivating an outcome.

a leading force behind

Replaces the original phrase to imply that it is a main power source that makes an effect to be reached.

FAQs

How can I use "a key instrument of" in a sentence?

Use "a key instrument of" to highlight something essential for achieving a particular goal or outcome. For example, "Education is "a key instrument of" social mobility".

What can I say instead of "a key instrument of"?

You can use alternatives like "a vital component of", "a crucial element of", or "an essential tool for depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a key instrument of success"?

While not strictly redundant, "a key instrument of success" can often be made more specific. Consider what kind of success and how the instrument contributes, such as "innovation is "a key instrument of" market leadership".

What's the difference between "a key instrument of" and "a driving force behind"?

"A key instrument of" suggests something is essential for facilitating a process or outcome, while "a driving force behind" implies it is what propels or motivates that outcome.