an instrumental

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an instrumental" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that serves as a means to achieve a particular end or purpose, often in contexts related to music or tools for achieving goals. Example: "The new policy was an instrumental factor in improving employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An alternative is to use an instrumental variables approach.

IZA Journal of Migration

An instrumental applicative (IA) is a cover term for an instrumental applicative and a benefactive applicative; its main verb is marked with the suffix -(n)eni.

Lingua Sinica

Mr. DeBattista also made an instrumental suggestion.

The New York Times

But Galactic is primarily an instrumental band.

The New York Times - Arts

"It wasn't an instrumental analysis," he said.

The New York Times - Food

It's tough to be an instrumental soloist.

The New York Times - Arts

Most recent release is an instrumental album, "Peacemaker," in 1995.

The New York Times - Arts

Elegant with strings, Stark's Reality is an instrumental.

The Guardian - Music

It also includes an instrumental ensemble and a large chorus.

The New York Times - Arts

And yes, intelligence did play an instrumental role.

The New York Times - Books

"So we decided to make an instrumental electric guitar record".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an instrumental", ensure the context clearly indicates that the subject is acting as a means to achieve a specific goal, whether in music, methodology, or a broader conceptual framework.

Common error

Avoid using "an instrumental" when you simply mean 'helpful' or 'important' without the subject being the tool or means by which something is achieved. For example, don't say, "His advice was an instrumental help," but rather, "His advice was instrumental in our success".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an instrumental" primarily functions as an adjective modifying a noun, indicating that the noun serves as a crucial means or tool for achieving a particular outcome. Ludwig confirms this through its examples showcasing varied contexts, such as instrumental variables, instrumental roles, and instrumental suggestions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an instrumental" functions as an adjective emphasizing a crucial means to an end. As evidenced by Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse fields, with News & Media and Science being the most common. Maintaining awareness of its precise meaning—serving as a vital tool—is key to its correct application, ensuring you highlight elements critical to achieving particular outcomes. Remember, while often interchangeable with terms like "a key" or "a crucial", "an instrumental" uniquely underscores the role of an agent or tool in realizing a specific result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contributing

Replaces 'instrumental' emphasizing the act of contributing rather than being a key component.

a facilitating

Shifts the focus to enabling or making something easier to happen.

a significant

Highlights the importance or impact without specifying the means.

a crucial

Emphasizes the critical or essential nature of something.

a vital

Underscores the necessity of something for the success or existence of something else.

a key

Focuses on the idea of something being essential for unlocking or achieving something.

a fundamental

Highlights the basic and essential nature of something.

a central

Emphasizes the core or focal point role.

a decisive

Highlights the importance of determination or to make a result.

an invaluable

Indicates that something is extremely useful or precious.

FAQs

How is "an instrumental" used in a sentence?

The phrase "an instrumental" is used to describe something that serves as a crucial means or tool in achieving a particular outcome. For example, "The support of the community was "an instrumental part" of the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "an instrumental"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a crucial", "a key", "a vital", or "a significant" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "an instrumental part"?

Yes, it is correct to say "an instrumental part". It means that the part played a crucial role in achieving a particular outcome. For instance, "Communication was "an instrumental part" of the team's success".

What's the difference between "an instrumental" and "an influential"?

"An instrumental" signifies something that serves as a means to an end, whereas "an influential" refers to having a significant impact or power to affect something. While something instrumental might also be influential, the terms emphasize different aspects.