be indispensable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be indispensable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is absolutely necessary or essential in a particular context. Example: "In a successful team, each member should strive to be indispensable by contributing unique skills and insights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may be indispensable.

The New York Times

English is therefore acknowledged to be indispensable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

— insures that the star will be indispensable.

The New Yorker

Some consider themselves to be indispensable.

The New York Times

Ramping up alternative sources then will be indispensable.

The New York Times

That is why NATO continues to be indispensable.

The Guardian

NO ICE, PLEASE Water sacks can be indispensable thirst-quenchers in endurance sports, especially in summer.

The New York Times - Tech

If he keeps pitching as he has lately, Chamberlain will be indispensable as a starter.

The New York Times - Sports

"Considering how much these things weigh these days, it will be indispensable," he said.

The New York Times

So, for all but the destitute, inequality turns out to be indispensable.

The Guardian - Film

If a peace agreement is eventually reached, Washington's help will be indispensable to making it work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be indispensable" when you want to emphasize that something or someone is so crucial that its absence would significantly hinder or prevent success.

Common error

Avoid using "be indispensable" in situations where the importance is marginal. Reserve it for contexts where the absence truly creates a significant problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be indispensable" primarily functions as a predicate adjective. It describes a subject as being absolutely necessary or essential. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is commonly used to emphasize the critical nature of something or someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Engineering Digital Design

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be indispensable" is a phrase used to describe something or someone that is absolutely necessary or essential. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts. It functions primarily as a predicate adjective, emphasizing the critical importance of the subject. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media and Scientific publications, reflecting a neutral to formal register. For effective writing, reserve "be indispensable" for situations where the absence of the subject truly creates a significant problem, avoiding overuse in weaker contexts. Alternatives such as "be essential" or "be crucial" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be essential

Focuses on the fundamental importance of something, similar to being indispensable but slightly broader.

be crucial

Emphasizes the critical nature of something for success or avoidance of failure.

be vital

Highlights the life-sustaining or extremely important aspect of something.

be necessary

States that something is required or needed, a more general term.

be required

Indicates that something is obligatory or mandated.

be paramount

Stresses the supreme importance or dominance of something.

be key

Suggests that something is a significant factor or element.

be fundamental

Highlights the basic or foundational nature of something.

be integral

Implies that something is an essential part of a whole.

be irreplaceable

Conveys that something cannot be substituted due to its unique qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "be indispensable" in a sentence?

You can use "be indispensable" to describe something or someone that is absolutely necessary or essential. For example, "Good communication skills can "be indispensable" in a leadership role".

What are some alternatives to "be indispensable"?

Some alternatives to "be indispensable" include "be essential", "be crucial", or "be vital", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "is indispensable" or "are indispensable"?

The correct form depends on whether you're referring to a singular or plural subject. Use "is indispensable" for singular subjects (e.g., "This tool is indispensable"), and "are indispensable" for plural subjects (e.g., "These tools are indispensable").

What's the difference between "be indispensable" and "be important"?

"Be important" indicates that something has significance, while "be indispensable" suggests that something is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without. Indispensable implies a higher degree of necessity than simply being important.