an indispensable role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indispensable role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a function or position that is absolutely necessary or essential in a particular context. Example: "The project manager plays an indispensable role in ensuring that the team meets its deadlines and stays on budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You are playing an indispensable role in our justice system.

The New Yorker

Memory lymphocytes have an indispensable role in eradicating pathogens.

Nature

Porosity of scaffolds plays an indispensable role in tissue regeneration.

Composites Part B: Engineering

But targeted investment sometimes has played an indispensable role.

The New York Times

We play an indispensable role as a catalyst.

The Economist

Doubtless their own psychological problems played an indispensable role.

The New York Times

As my Ambassador to the United Nations, she plays an indispensable role in advancing America's interests.

The Guardian

ATI cells play an indispensable role for gas exchange and alveolar-capillary barrier function2.

Nature

In our modern knowledge society, scientific and scholarly research has thereby acquired an indispensable role.

Harvard University

Coal has played an indispensable role in China's dizzying economic development.

Yale University

Carbon contained in the starting materials, therefore, plays an indispensable role in emergence of ORR activity.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the absolute necessity of a function or contribution, use "an indispensable role" to highlight its critical importance. This phrase is particularly effective in formal and academic writing where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "an indispensable role" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "essential" or "key" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indispensable role" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It emphasizes the critical and irreplaceable nature of the role being described, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an indispensable role" is grammatically correct and widely employed to emphasize the critical and irreplaceable nature of a function or position. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in scientific, news, and academic domains. While highly effective in formal settings, its use should be moderated in casual communication to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives like "a crucial part" or "a key component" offer similar meanings and can provide flexibility in different writing styles. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Nature frequently use this phrase, affirming its acceptance in high-quality writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical function

Focuses on the importance of the function itself, rather than the role.

a vital part

Emphasizes the importance of being part of something, suggesting interconnectedness.

a crucial element

Highlights the essential nature of a component within a larger system.

a key component

Stresses that something is a significant part of a larger entity.

an essential function

Highlights the necessity of the function performed.

a necessary element

Indicates that something is required and cannot be done without.

a fundamental aspect

Highlights the foundational nature of something.

a central function

Emphasizes the role's importance as a central aspect.

a significant contribution

Focuses on the contribution made rather than the role itself.

a pivotal role

Highlights the importance of its pivotal characteristic

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an indispensable role" in a sentence?

Use "an indispensable role" to emphasize that something or someone is absolutely essential. For example, "Data analysis plays "an indispensable role" in modern scientific research".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "an indispensable role"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "a crucial part", "a key component", or "an essential function". These phrases can convey a similar meaning while potentially fitting better in certain situations.

Is there a difference between saying "indispensable role" and "important role"?

Yes, "indispensable role" suggests something is absolutely necessary and irreplaceable, while "important role" simply means something is significant but not necessarily crucial. Indispensable implies a higher degree of necessity.

In what kind of writing is "an indispensable role" most appropriate?

"An indispensable role" is most appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, and professional reports where you want to clearly emphasize the critical and irreplaceable nature of something. In informal contexts, consider using a less formal phrase.