are instrumental

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are instrumental" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something plays a crucial or significant role in achieving a particular outcome or result. Example: "The volunteers are instrumental in the success of the community project, providing support and resources to those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most are instrumental.

The New York Times - Arts

All tracks are instrumental.

Stanford University

Detention centres are instrumental to that policy.

The Guardian

Patient registries are instrumental for medical research.

Journal of Biomedical Informatics

Both books are instrumental to understanding video games.

The New Yorker

Apprenticeships are instrumental in plugging the skills gap.

The Guardian

They are instrumental in his plans to seek public financing.

The Washington Post

And what if we are instrumental in that fall?

The New York Times

Controls are instrumental in obtaining an energy-efficient building.

Air Conditioning System Design Manual

The soft sensors are instrumental in inaccessible variables measurement.

Flow Measurement and Instrumentation

Some of its songs are instrumental; several feature Moby's monotone talk-singing.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are instrumental", ensure the context clearly indicates the outcome or goal that the subject is contributing to. This enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "are instrumental" when simpler phrases like "are helpful" or "are important" suffice. Reserve it for situations where the contribution is crucial and directly leads to a significant outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are instrumental" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a subject to its crucial role in achieving a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are instrumental" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the crucial role of a subject in achieving a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various contexts, particularly in science and news media, highlighting its broad applicability. While alternatives like "are crucial" or "are essential" exist, "are instrumental" provides a nuanced emphasis on direct contribution. When using this phrase, clarity and context are key to maximizing its impact. Avoid overuse in simple contexts where less forceful language would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are crucial

Emphasizes the importance of something being decisive or critical.

are essential

Highlights the necessity of something for completeness.

are vital

Stresses the importance of something being necessary for life or success.

are critical

Indicates something is of utmost importance and could have serious consequences if not addressed.

are key

Highlights that something is fundamental and of prime importance.

are fundamental

Emphasizes that something forms a necessary base or core.

are indispensable

Highlights something so important it cannot be done without.

are decisive

Indicates that something has the power to determine an outcome.

are significant

Emphasizes something is important and worthy of attention.

are central

Highlights something that is of the greatest importance or is essential.

FAQs

How can I use "are instrumental" in a sentence?

Use "are instrumental" to describe something that plays a crucial role in achieving a particular result. For example, "Volunteers "are instrumental" in the success of the event".

What can I say instead of "are instrumental"?

You can use alternatives like "are crucial", "are essential", or "are vital" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are instrumental"?

It is appropriate to use "are instrumental" when emphasizing a key factor that directly contributes to a significant result or outcome. It conveys a stronger sense of importance than simply saying something is "important" or "helpful".

What's the difference between "are instrumental" and "are helpful"?

"Are instrumental" suggests a necessary and significant role in achieving a specific outcome, while "are helpful" implies providing assistance that is not necessarily essential. Something that is instrumental is indispensable for success.