indispensable figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indispensable figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is essential or crucial in a particular context, such as a team, organization, or situation. Example: "Her expertise in the field made her an indispensable figure in the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He has been a crucial and indispensable figure in that sense.

The Guardian

From his early 20's, Capek was an indispensable figure in Czech literature and journalism.

The New York Times - Books

He has in many ways been an indispensable figure in India's recent transitions.

The New Yorker

Mr. Geithner is as close to an indispensable figure as there is in the Obama administration.

The New York Times

He has a constant and palpable desire to portray himself as the central indispensable figure in every venture that he has touched".

Independent

To be sure, Washington was primus inter pares within the founding generation, generally regarded, then and thereafter, as "the indispensable figure".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Interpreters have become indispensable figures at most Paris soup kitchens.

The Economist

The city, they said, couldn't possibly get along without them and such indispensable figures as the borough presidents and some do-nothing Council members.

The New York Times

(In fact, the best reading is found in the sidebars: interviews with various Cobra collectors and profiles of people like Phil Remington and Pete Brock, indispensable figures in the creation of Shelby's cars).

The New York Times

From the moment on the morning of September 11th when he dashed out of his office to join the rescue work in the wrecked part of the Pentagon, the defence secretary has been one of the three or four indispensable figures of the administration.

The Economist

He was a very hard-working figure, and an indispensable number two to me.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indispensable figure", ensure the context clearly demonstrates why the person is essential. Provide specific examples of their contributions or qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "indispensable figure" when the person's role, while valuable, could be filled by someone else without significant disruption. Reserve it for genuinely irreplaceable individuals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indispensable figure" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive. It serves to identify and characterize a person as being absolutely necessary or crucial in a particular context. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is indeed correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indispensable figure" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe someone crucial or essential in a particular context. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although it tends to appear more often in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using the phrase, ensure that the individual's importance is well-supported with specific examples. While alternatives like "essential person" or "crucial individual" exist, "indispensable figure" adds a layer of emphasis on the person's unique and irreplaceable nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential person

Focuses more directly on the individual's necessity.

crucial individual

Emphasizes the critical role of the person.

key player

Highlights the importance of their role within a group or organization.

vital component

Shifts the focus to their contribution as part of a larger system.

linchpin

Suggests that they hold everything together.

cornerstone

Emphasizes their foundational importance.

integral member

Stresses their belonging and importance to a team.

irreplaceable asset

Highlights the difficulty of finding someone to take their place.

go-to person

Suggests they are the first choice for a particular task or problem.

central figure

Indicates they are at the heart of the situation or group.

FAQs

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

Use "indispensable figure" to describe someone crucial or essential. For example, "The project manager was an indispensable figure in ensuring the project's timely completion."

What phrases can I use instead of "indispensable figure"?

You can use alternatives like "essential person", "crucial individual", or "key player" depending on the context.

What does "indispensable figure" mean?

An "indispensable figure" is someone so crucial that a particular task or organization cannot function properly without them. It implies that the person's contributions are unique and essential.

Is "indispensable figure" formal or informal?

"Indispensable figure" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and professional writing.