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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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indispensible

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"indispensible" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is absolutely necessary or essential, or to describe someone or something that is considered to be extremely useful. Example: The organization's volunteer team was an indispensible part of their success.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not a sentimental bond – it's an indispensible bond.

Last week the department issued an appeal to would-be senders of those articles of use and fancy which have become an indispensible adjunct to the celebration of the 14th, requesting them to post their missives as early as possible, Saturday night being recommended as the most convenient time.

Mr Noda is backed by the country's largest newspaper, the Yomiuri, which calls the deployment "indispensible", against "China's military aggrandisement" and threats from North Korea.The government has attempted to douse the controversy by demanding publicly that the American army "reconfirm" the aircraft's safety to that end officials from both sides are meeting on July 26th in Tokyo.

News & Media

The Economist

And the grounds upon which the more convincing critics are making their stand that Burnham, et al's numbers simply cannot be reconciled with other, relatively well known figures is, contra the study's defenders, a perfectly standard (nay, indispensible) way that scientists check new data.That does not mean that the critics of Burnham, et al are correct.

News & Media

The Economist

It charges just $8,000 for its own TubeSat kit (13cm long by 9cm in diameter), which includes the case, indispensible components like power and communications, as well as the launch, making it well within reach of many hobbyists and academic clubs (who supply circuit boards and instrumentation of their own).

News & Media

The Economist

But the broader lesson that one has to think critically about the counterfactual in trying to assess technologies or shocks or economic policy—has been an indispensible one for me.(Photo credit: AFP).

News & Media

The Economist

Heinz, a packaged-food company based in Pittsburgh, has announced that it will close its tomato-paste plant in California in 1998, preferring to buy this indispensible but mundane ingredient for its ketchup elsewhere and concentrate on adding value to it by burnishing the image of the brand.

News & Media

The Economist

GENERAL ELECTRIC was the pioneer of many of the gadgets that would now be seen as indispensible in the modern home, but once were luxuries: the lightbulb, the washing-machine and the toaster, to name three.

News & Media

The Economist

They provided man with transport (in both love and war) and they were indispensible partners down on the farm, when agriculture accounted for the vast majority of economic output.

News & Media

The Economist

Mr Shiller has applied his work by creating the monthly Case-Shiller index (with economist Karl Case), which many asset managers now find to be an indispensible tool to measure house prices in cities across America.

News & Media

The Economist

In addition, the use of geographic information systems (GIS) has been indispensible in expanding the scope of cartographic subjects.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always double-check the spelling and use "indispensable" instead of "indispensible" to maintain credibility and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid the common mistake of writing "indispensible". The correct spelling is "indispensable". Use a spell-checker to catch this error.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The term "indispensible" functions as an adjective, intending to describe something as essential or necessary. While the intention is clear, it represents a misspelling of "indispensable". As Ludwig reveals, the correct form is more widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

26%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academic

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The query "indispensible" is a common misspelling of "indispensable", an adjective used to describe something that is absolutely necessary. Despite the misspelling, its prevalence across various sources—including news outlets, encyclopedias, and scientific publications—indicates that its intended meaning is generally understood. However, as Ludwig points out, maintaining credibility in your writing requires using the correct form: "indispensable". Using reliable tools like spell-checkers will help you avoid this common error and ensure your writing is clear and professional. Remember to favor alternatives such as "absolutely essential", "utterly vital", or "completely necessary" to improve your writing quality.

FAQs

What is the correct spelling, "indispensable" or "indispensible"?

The correct spelling is "indispensable". "Indispensible" is a misspelling.

What does "indispensable" mean?

"Indispensable" means absolutely necessary or essential. Something that is "absolutely essential" is so important that it cannot be done without.

How can I use "indispensable" in a sentence?

Example: A reliable team is "absolutely essential" for success in that area.

What are some alternatives to the word "indispensable"?

Alternatives include "essential", "crucial", and "necessary". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: