indispensable role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'indispensable role' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe something, usually a person or thing, that is essential or necessary for a specific purpose. For example, "The teachers in this school play an indispensable role in the education of each student."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obama overruled them, citing America's "indispensable" role.

The Washington Post

You are playing an indispensable role in our justice system.

The New Yorker

Memory lymphocytes have an indispensable role in eradicating pathogens.

Nature

Porosity of scaffolds plays an indispensable role in tissue regeneration.

Composites Part B: Engineering

But targeted investment sometimes has played an indispensable role.

The New York Times

We play an indispensable role as a catalyst.

The Economist

Doubtless their own psychological problems played an indispensable role.

The New York Times

As my Ambassador to the United Nations, she plays an indispensable role in advancing America's interests.

The Guardian

For example, never have so many feminists praised the indispensable role of fathers.

The New York Times

Wu, J. et al. Mlkl knockout mice demonstrate the indispensable role of Mlkl in necroptosis.

Nature

ATI cells play an indispensable role for gas exchange and alveolar-capillary barrier function2.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indispensable role", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the necessity of the role being described. Provide specific examples or evidence to support your claim about its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "indispensable role" when the role is merely helpful or beneficial, but not strictly necessary. Reserve the phrase for situations where the absence of the role would have a significant negative impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indispensable role" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "indispensable" modifies the noun "role". Ludwig's examples confirm that it is used to emphasize the crucial and irreplaceable nature of a particular function or position.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

41%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indispensable role" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the crucial and irreplaceable nature of a function, person, or thing. According to Ludwig, it effectively highlights the absolute necessity of a subject in various contexts, from science and academia to news and media. When writing, it's important to ensure the context genuinely reflects the indispensability of the role being described, avoiding overuse in situations where 'important' or 'helpful' might be more appropriate. Considering similar alternatives like "essential function" or "critical part" can also enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

integral role

Emphasizes the completeness requires this role.

essential function

Emphasizes the function's necessity rather than the role itself.

necessary element

Highlights the compulsory nature of the element.

crucial function

Highlights the decisiveness of this function for success.

critical part

Highlights the importance of being a part of something bigger.

fundamental part

Focuses on the basic and essential characteristic of a component.

key component

Focuses on the element being a necessary ingredient.

pivotal aspect

Stresses the turning point aspect of something.

vital contribution

Stresses the act of giving or providing something crucial.

significant aspect

Emphasizes importance as a feature or element.

FAQs

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

Use "indispensable role" to describe someone or something that is absolutely necessary. For example, "Teachers play an "indispensable role" in shaping future generations".

What are some alternatives to "indispensable role"?

You can use alternatives like "essential function", "critical part", or "key component" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "indispensable role" and "important role"?

"Indispensable role" implies something is absolutely necessary, while "important role" suggests something is significant but not necessarily crucial. An "indispensable role" cannot be easily replaced, whereas an "important role" can be.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "indispensable role"?

Use "indispensable role" when referring to a person, function, or thing that is so crucial that its absence would cause significant problems or make success impossible. Consider whether the role is truly irreplaceable before using the phrase.