a necessary element of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a necessary element of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is essential or required as part of a larger whole or concept. Example: "Trust is a necessary element of any successful relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reserves are a necessary element of accounting.

The New York Times

"We both invite and welcome scrutiny as a necessary element of continuous improvement.

The Washington Post

Consequently, protection against micrometeoroid impacts has become a necessary element of space hardware design.

Britannica

Power is a necessary element of effectiveness and a reward for efficiency.

Harvard Business Review

1122, 28 L.Ed.2d 453, prior judicial authorization was not a necessary element of that case.

Cornell University

In Ashe, the prior acquittal determined facts which were a necessary element of the second offense.

Cornell University

On Tuesday, Mathias Cormann boasted that barring journalists from the detention centres was a necessary element of the program's success.

The Guardian - Opinion

In it, Mill concluded that a representative democracy based on wide suffrage is a necessary element of good government.

Britannica

The interpretation of Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 1, which opened the concert, also lacked a necessary element of excitement.

The New York Times - Arts

But for Mr Savall memorisation is the same as playing on autopilot, and stifles a necessary element of unpredictability.

The Economist

A. Monopoly Power While merely possessing monopoly power is not itself an antitrust violation, it is a necessary element of a monopolization charge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a necessary element of", ensure that the connection between the element and the larger concept is clear to the reader. Provide specific examples to illustrate its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a necessary element of" when the element is merely helpful or beneficial, rather than truly essential. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a necessary element of" functions as a modifier, specifically identifying a component as essential. It's used to highlight the indispensability of a particular aspect within a larger context, as demonstrated by the examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a necessary element of" is a versatile phrase used to underscore the essential nature of a component within a larger context. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various domains, including news, academia, and science, make it a reliable choice for emphasizing the importance of a particular aspect. While alternatives like "an essential component of" or "a crucial part of" can be used, it's crucial to ensure that the context truly warrants the emphasis on necessity. By being mindful of overstatement and providing clear connections to the larger concept, you can effectively leverage the power of "a necessary element of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential component of

Replaces 'necessary' with 'essential', emphasizing the critical nature of the component.

a crucial part of

Substitutes 'element' with 'part', highlighting the importance and role within a whole.

a vital aspect of

Uses 'vital' to underscore the importance of the aspect in maintaining functionality or success.

an indispensable feature of

Replaces 'necessary' with 'indispensable', emphasizing that the feature is absolutely essential and cannot be done without.

a fundamental requirement for

Focuses on the 'requirement' aspect, stressing the basic conditions that must be met.

a key ingredient in

Highlights the 'ingredient' aspect, useful when discussing processes or recipes where certain inputs are critical.

an integral aspect of

Uses 'integral' to convey that the aspect is intrinsically linked and essential to the overall structure.

a prerequisite for

Indicates that something must occur or exist before another thing can happen or be considered.

a building block of

Uses 'building block' to illustrate that the element is a foundational component that contributes to something larger.

a cornerstone of

Highlights the 'cornerstone' aspect, stressing the basic principle on which something depends.

FAQs

How can I use "a necessary element of" in a sentence?

You can use "a necessary element of" to describe something that is essential or required for a particular outcome or concept. For example: "Teamwork is "a necessary element of" a successful project".

What are some alternatives to "a necessary element of"?

Some alternatives include "an essential part of", "a crucial component of", or "a vital aspect of depending on the specific context".

Is it redundant to say "a necessary element of"?

While "necessary" and "element" can sometimes overlap in meaning, the phrase is not inherently redundant. It emphasizes that the element is not just present but also required. However, consider if a simpler wording might be more concise.

When is it appropriate to use "a necessary element of" versus "a helpful element of"?

"A necessary element of" should be used when the element is absolutely required, without which the outcome is impossible. "A helpful element of" is appropriate when the element improves the outcome but is not strictly required.