indispensable ally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indispensable ally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is absolutely necessary and supportive in a particular context or situation. Example: "In times of crisis, a reliable friend can be an indispensable ally."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

More than that, he has been America's indispensable ally.

The New York Times

American leaders have long called Israel an "indispensable" ally.

The Washington Post

The indispensable ally in this endeavour, whether formally at war or not, was the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Turkey is not an indispensable ally and should not be considered as such.

Independent

But, this being the height of the Vietnam war, the Americans saw Indonesia as an indispensable ally in the region.

The Economist

For Cameron, Poland is the indispensable ally, given its size, its political weight, and its number of seats.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

And it will have to pay a heavy price to its, now indispensable, allies to do so.

The Economist

His comment was met with fury from black supporters of charter schools, some of the movement's most indispensable allies.

The New York Times

Not so long ago, the United States and other Western countries considered Mr. Ben Ali, and other secular tyrants, indispensable allies in the fight against extremists.

The New York Times

C4 Business Digest C1 EDITORIAL A14-15 EdIndispensableispensalliesllies on Iran; a winding path to gay marriage; the blackout in Congress; Francis X . Clineson Julia Child.

The New York Times

The intense concentration of money shows how a tiny group of super-rich individuals has embraced these political groups, which have emerged as indispensable allies of candidates and political parties since the Supreme Court's landmark Citizens United decision in 2010.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indispensable ally", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the criticality and irreplaceability of the ally in question. Avoid using it hyperbolically.

Common error

Avoid using "indispensable ally" when a "helpful associate" would be more accurate. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can appear insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indispensable ally" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "indispensable" modifies the noun "ally". It serves to qualify the nature of the alliance, emphasizing its crucial and irreplaceable aspect. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

HuffPost

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indispensable ally" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the critical importance of a partner or supporter. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedias and scientific sources, this phrase conveys the idea that a particular ally is absolutely necessary for success or stability. While the phrase is valuable for highlighting crucial relationships, be mindful of potential overuse and ensure it accurately reflects the ally's significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential partner

Replaces "ally" with "partner", emphasizing a collaborative relationship.

critical collaborator

Substitutes "ally" with "collaborator", highlighting the cooperative aspect.

vital supporter

Uses "supporter" instead of "ally", stressing the backing and aid provided.

crucial associate

Replaces "ally" with "associate", indicating a close connection or affiliation.

key strategic partner

Adds "strategic" to emphasize the importance of the partnership for achieving specific goals.

irreplaceable asset

Shifts the focus to the value of the ally as an asset, rather than a partner.

necessary component

Highlights the ally's role as a required element for success.

integral element

Similar to "necessary component", but emphasizes the ally's embedded and essential nature.

primary benefactor

Focuses on the ally's role as a provider of benefits and support.

cornerstone of success

Emphasizes the ally's fundamental role in achieving positive outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "indispensable ally" to describe someone or something that is absolutely necessary and supportive in a particular context. For example: "During the war, the United States considered Britain its "indispensable ally"."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "indispensable ally"?

Alternatives to "indispensable ally" include "essential partner", "critical collaborator", or "vital supporter" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "indispensable ally" in formal writing?

Yes, "indispensable ally" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in contexts such as political analysis, historical accounts, or business reports where the importance of a partnership needs to be emphasized.

What makes an ally "indispensable"?

An ally becomes "indispensable" when their contributions, resources, or support are so crucial that the success or stability of a situation would be impossible without them. It suggests a unique and irreplaceable value.