an integral part

USAGE SUMMARY

'an integral part' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate something which is an important part of a larger whole. For example: "Education is an integral part of a successful future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are an integral part of an integrated European economy.

The Guardian

"Chad's an integral part of this team.

The New York Times - Sports

It's an integral part of the plan".

The New York Times - Magazine

Death was an integral part of life.

The Guardian

They're an integral part of our offense".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's an integral part of education today".

The Guardian

Dave is an integral part of that".

The New York Times - Magazine

Architecture is an integral part of that.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's an integral part of our culture.

The Washington Post

It's an integral part of the brand.

The New York Times

an integral part of this Agreement.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an integral part" to emphasize the importance and necessity of a component within a larger system or context. This phrase is effective in highlighting that the component is not merely supplemental but essential to the whole.

Common error

Avoid using "an integral part" when a simpler word like "part" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an integral part" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object complement, identifying something as a crucial component of a larger entity or concept. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in various contexts to emphasize necessity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

19%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an integral part" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that indicates something is essential and indispensable to a larger whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, though it is particularly frequent in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While "an integral part" is a strong and effective phrase, writers should avoid overuse in simple contexts where a more concise term would suffice. Remember that alternatives like "a key component" or "an essential element" can provide nuanced ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key component

Emphasizes the importance of the element as a necessary piece.

an essential element

Highlights the necessity of the element for the integrity of the whole.

a crucial aspect

Focuses on the importance of the element as a vital consideration.

a fundamental aspect

Underlines the element's role as a foundational principle or element.

a vital component

Stresses the necessity of the element for the functioning of the whole.

a critical element

Highlights the significance of the element as potentially decisive.

a basic ingredient

Emphasizes the element's fundamental presence as a building block.

an intrinsic element

Indicates that the element is inherently part of something.

a cornerstone

Suggests the element is a primary foundation upon which something is built.

a building block

Focuses on the element's role as a fundamental constituent.

FAQs

How can I use "an integral part" in a sentence?

Use "an integral part" to describe something essential or necessary to a larger whole. For example, "Communication is "an integral part" of any successful relationship".

What are some alternatives to "an integral part"?

You can use alternatives like "a key component", "an essential element", or "a crucial aspect" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "integral part of" or "integrated part of"?

"Integral part of" is generally preferred to emphasize that something is essential and inherent. "Integrated part of" suggests that something has been combined or incorporated into something else. See also "an integrated part".

What's the difference between "essential part" and "an integral part"?

While both phrases denote importance, "an integral part" suggests the component is indispensable and intrinsically linked to the whole. "Essential part" simply indicates high importance. See also "an essential part".