be instrumental

USAGE SUMMARY

"be instrumental" is a correct phrase in written English.
It means to play an important role or have a significant influence in achieving a certain outcome. You can use it in various contexts. Here are a few examples: 1. His leadership skills will be instrumental in driving the company's success. 2. The new technology is expected to be instrumental in increasing efficiency and productivity. 3. Education is instrumental in shaping the future of a nation. 4. Her calm demeanor was instrumental in resolving the conflict peacefully. 5. The community's support was instrumental in raising funds for the charity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Music may be instrumental or vocal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fleming was thought to be instrumental in the Kmart bankruptcy.

The New York Times

His Bible will be instrumental in that Englishing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

These notes will be instrumental in completing the homework.

The New York Times

Gene-expression profiles could be instrumental in realizing these improvements4.

Nature

The college should be instrumental in adapting simulators to education.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Most are instrumental.

The New York Times - Arts

It was instrumental guitar.

The New York Times

"It was instrumental".

The New York Times

He was instrumental.

The New York Times - Sports

Some themes were instrumental.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be instrumental" to emphasize the enabling aspect of a contribution, highlighting that something serves as a means to achieve a particular result.

Common error

While versatile, the phrase "be instrumental" can sound stilted in informal settings. Opt for simpler synonyms like "help" or "be key" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be instrumental" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something or someone is essential or plays a crucial role in achieving a particular result. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be instrumental" signifies something or someone playing a crucial and enabling role in achieving a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Scientific, and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a leaning toward formal communication. While versatile, avoid overuse in overly informal settings. Alternatives like "play a key role" or "be crucial" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. This phrase highlights the enabling nature of a contribution, emphasizing that something serves as a means to achieve a specific result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play a key role

Focuses on the significance of the part played, rather than the enabling aspect.

be a major factor

Highlights the importance of the contribution to the final result.

be crucial

Emphasizes the critical nature of the element for success or survival.

be vital

Stresses the indispensable quality of the contribution.

be essential

Indicates the necessity of the element, similar to 'crucial' but with a slightly broader application.

be pivotal

Highlights the turning-point nature of the contribution.

be critical

Suggests a make-or-break importance of the contribution.

be significant

Underscores the importance or consequence of the action or contribution.

be fundamental

Indicates that the contribution is a basic and necessary part of the whole.

be indispensable

Stresses that the contribution is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

FAQs

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

You can use "be instrumental" to describe something that plays a crucial role in achieving a specific outcome. For example, "His guidance proved to "be instrumental" in helping her receive effective treatment."

What can I say instead of "be instrumental"?

Alternatives to "be instrumental" include "play a key role", "be a major factor", or "be crucial", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be instrumental to" or "be instrumental in"?

"Be instrumental in" is the more common and natural-sounding construction. While "be instrumental to" isn't necessarily incorrect, it is less frequently used.

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

"Be instrumental" suggests a more significant and enabling role than "be helpful". Something that is instrumental is essential for achieving a particular outcome, while something that is helpful simply provides assistance.