are an essential component of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are an essential component of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance or necessity of a particular element within a larger system or context. Example: "Healthy eating habits are an essential component of overall well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's why Koehler argues that deradicalization programs are an essential component of national security policy.

The Guardian

They are an essential component of any country's child and family policy.

The New York Times

These movements, which ultimately question classic notions of the urban and the rural, are an essential component of India's urbanity.

The Guardian

Such tests are an essential component of a good recovery policy.

The New York Times

Those haunting vocals are an essential component of songs like "True Love Waits," in which Mr. Yorke's voice weeps over the guitar backup with plaintive yearning.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a fundamental principle, not because ivory-tower dons deserve to be indulged but because free universities are an essential component of a free society.

The Guardian

These fungal spores are an essential component of composting and help organic matter from the garden to decompose, but such incidents are, thankfully, extremely rare.

The Guardian

Our universities are an essential component of the UK science base, but their impact on local, regional, and national economies is much wider.

The Guardian

They are an essential component of the traditional English fry-up, but should I have looked further away to the home of tomatoes in South America?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Aquatic microbes perform a host of biochemical transformations and are an essential component of the food chain in these environments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Civil rights are an essential component of democracy; when individuals are being denied opportunities to participate in political society, they are being denied their civil rights.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are an essential component of", ensure that the subject you're describing truly plays a crucial and indispensable role in the system or context you're discussing. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "are an essential component of" to describe elements that are merely helpful or beneficial, rather than fundamentally necessary. This weakens the impact of the phrase and may mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are an essential component of" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying a key attribute of a subject. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across various contexts, emphasizing the indispensable nature of the subject within a given system or context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are an essential component of" is grammatically sound and widely used to emphasize the critical importance of a subject within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Appearing most frequently in scientific and news media sources, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. When writing, ensure you are accurately representing indispensable elements, as misattributing essential status can weaken the impact of your message. Alternatives such as "are a vital part of" or "are a critical element of" can provide variety while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are a vital part of

Replaces "essential component" with "vital part", maintaining the core meaning of being necessary.

are a critical element of

Substitutes "essential component" with "critical element", emphasizing importance.

are integral to

Uses "integral" to convey the idea of being an indispensable part.

are indispensable for

Focuses on the necessity, indicating that something cannot be done without them.

are key to

Highlights the importance of being a crucial factor for success or functionality.

are fundamental to

Indicates that they form a necessary base or core.

constitute a core element of

More formal, emphasizing that they make up a basic and important part.

are at the heart of

Figurative language indicating central importance.

play a crucial role in

Shifts the focus to the active function of being critically important.

are requisite for

Formal and emphasizes requirement, suggesting that they are absolutely necessary.

FAQs

How can I use "are an essential component of" in a sentence?

This phrase emphasizes the crucial and indispensable nature of something within a larger context. For example, "Skilled employees "are an essential component of" a successful company."

What can I say instead of "are an essential component of"?

You can use alternatives like "are a vital part of", "are a critical element of", or "are integral to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "are an essential component of" or "is an essential component of"?

The correct form depends on whether you are referring to a plural or singular subject. Use "are" with plural subjects and "is" with singular subjects. For example, "Vitamins are an essential component of a healthy diet," versus "Vitamin C is an essential component of a healthy diet."

How does "are an essential component of" differ from "are an important part of"?

"Are an essential component of" implies that something is absolutely necessary and indispensable, while "are an important part of" suggests that something is significant but perhaps not strictly required. The former carries a stronger sense of necessity.