a vital instrument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vital instrument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is essential or crucial for achieving a particular goal or function. Example: "In the field of medicine, research is a vital instrument for developing new treatments and improving patient care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It is seen as a vital instrument to increase Europe's competitiveness with trading partners like the United States and Japan.

The New York Times

A vital instrument on a new billion-dollar satellite designed to resolve questions about the changing climate is malfunctioning, NASA officials said today.

The New York Times

Yet he regarded movies as something more than entertainment; he saw in their power to seduce and bewitch a vital instrument of persuasion.

The Guardian - Books

Collaborating with the world's foremost designers, creatives and thinkers, NOWNESS.com is dedicated to being a vital instrument for experiencing high-end culture digitally.

The Guardian

While stressing that the death penalty remains a vital instrument in China's anti-crime efforts, the central government has been trying to clean up the system.

The Guardian

The dollar link was seen as a vital instrument for bringing inflation under control, and it was markedly successful in achieving that.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Melee-ing is a vital tool.

WikiHow

A16 SCIENCE/HEALTH Climate Satellite Malfunctions A vital instrument on a new billion-dollar satellite designed to resolve questions about the changing climate is malfunctioning, NASA officials said.

The New York Times

The voice is a vital political instrument, a weapon of mass persuasion – but Miliband's sounds blunted, and unintentionally revealing.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it remains as it always has after all these years that the doctrine of the Catholic Church continues to be the most vital instrument in leading his flock where most practicing Catholics want to be led.

The New York Times

"I preach to my students to make time for themselves, to treat their bodies as vital instruments," Ms. Phelan said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vital instrument", ensure the context clearly establishes what the instrument contributes and why it is essential to the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a vital instrument" too frequently in a single piece of writing; vary your language with synonyms like "a crucial component" or "an essential tool" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vital instrument" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as essential or indispensable. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase often introduces the importance of a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vital instrument" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the crucial role of something in achieving a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in a variety of contexts, most frequently in News & Media and Scientific writing. When using the phrase, it is crucial to clearly define what this "instrument" contributes. Consider alternatives such as "an essential tool" or "a crucial component" to prevent repetition and ensure the clarity of your writing. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to highlight the indispensable nature of the element being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential tool

Replaces "instrument" with "tool", emphasizing practicality and utility.

a crucial component

Substitutes "instrument" with "component", highlighting the phrase's role as a part of a larger system.

a key element

Emphasizes the importance of being a fundamental part of something.

an indispensable asset

Highlights the irreplaceability and value of the instrument.

a necessary means

Focuses on the function of the instrument as a way to achieve something.

a critical factor

Highlights its role in influencing a particular outcome.

a significant resource

Emphasizes the value and availability of the instrument.

a foundational element

Focuses on its role as the basis for something.

a prime mover

Highlights its role as initiator and essential component of a process.

a linchpin

Emphasizes its central importance in holding everything together.

FAQs

How can I use "a vital instrument" in a sentence?

"A vital instrument" is used to describe something indispensable for achieving a specific goal. For example, "Education is "a vital instrument" for social progress".

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

Alternatives to "a vital instrument" include "an essential tool", "a crucial component", or "a key element", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a vital instrument for" or "a vital instrument in"?

Both "a vital instrument for" and "a vital instrument in" are grammatically correct, but "for" is generally used to indicate purpose (e.g., "a vital instrument for achieving success") and "in" is used to indicate a role or context (e.g., "a vital instrument in scientific research").

What makes something "a vital instrument" rather than just an instrument?

The term "vital" emphasizes that the instrument is absolutely necessary or crucial; without it, the desired outcome would be difficult or impossible to achieve. Its significance goes beyond simply being a tool.