instrumental in finding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instrumental in finding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that played a crucial role in discovering or locating something. Example: "Her research was instrumental in finding a cure for the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Sally was instrumental in finding an apartment for the first Black teacher in Great Neck.

The New York Times

That entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to say "yes" was instrumental in finding product-market fit.

Harvard Business Review

He was instrumental in finding sanctuary for displaced Iraqis in Middle East countries and lobbied for greater numbers of Iraqi refugees to be admitted to the United States.

The Washington Post

Don't be afraid to ask them questions �� they could be instrumental in finding you a manager, a record deal and creating opportunities.

The Guardian

"Having a work environment of my own making and a business partner like Lucas who is so talented at production management and coordination has been absolutely instrumental in finding this peace," she says.

The Guardian - Tech

Dr. Brandt was also instrumental in finding a way for the disease control centers to build a maximum security laboratory, which the agency needed to investigate a growing number of dangerous microbes, but which the Reagan administration had blocked, Dr. Foege said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Measurements from an earlier SeaWinds instrument now operating aboard the NASA Quikscat satellite, launched in 1999, were instrumental in findings on typhoons' role in generating ocean life, reported on Saturday in San Francisco at the fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union.

The New York Times - Science

He told them that he believed he had identified a second case of Bertrand's disorder, and that Matt's blog post had been instrumental in his finding it.

The New Yorker

Amid all the hateful e-mail messages that he receives, there also come ones calling him a "role model of honesty" and thanking him for being "instrumental in me finding the Lord".

The New York Times

[Laughs.] We have to be responsible because obviously we're very instrumental in someone finding out something that is very difficult to learn.

Los Angeles Times

Citing the authenticity that Sherdian, the son of a Texas lawman, brings to his work, Bridges suggested that his relationship with recently deceased former Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson, author of One Ranger: A Memoir, was instrumental in him finding the character.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instrumental in finding" when you want to highlight the active role someone or something played in a discovery or solution.

Common error

Avoid using "instrumental in finding" when the subject's contribution was minor or indirect. Overstating its importance can weaken your overall argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instrumental in finding" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing it as playing a crucial role in a discovery or location. Ludwig examples show it describing people, methods, or tools.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instrumental in finding" effectively communicates a critical role in achieving a discovery or solution. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various domains like News & Media, Science, and Academia. When aiming for clarity, be sure that you are not overstating the importance of the entity you are defining and always evaluate the alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key to discovering

Replaces "instrumental" with "key", focusing on essentiality rather than influence.

crucial in locating

Emphasizes the importance of the role in pinpointing a specific location or item.

vital for uncovering

Highlights the significance in revealing or making something known.

significant in identifying

Focuses on the role in recognizing or establishing the identity of something.

essential to detecting

Stresses the necessity in noticing or discovering something not easily apparent.

pivotal in the discovery of

Highlights a turning point or critical moment in a finding.

played a central role in locating

Emphasizes the importance of the role played in locating.

a major factor in finding

Indicates that it was one of the most important things that caused or influenced a result.

indispensable in the search for

Highlights that something is absolutely necessary or essential in finding something.

critical in uncovering

Indicates a serious level of importance in discovering something.

FAQs

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

Use "instrumental in finding" to describe something or someone that was essential in discovering or locating something. For instance, "Her expertise was instrumental in finding a solution to the problem".

What are some alternatives to "instrumental in finding"?

You can use alternatives such as "key to discovering", "crucial in locating", or "significant in identifying" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "instrumental in finding" in formal writing?

Yes, "instrumental in finding" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts, as it clearly conveys the importance of a contribution.

What's the difference between "instrumental in finding" and "helpful in finding"?

"Instrumental in finding" implies a critical or essential role, while "helpful in finding" suggests assistance that is useful but not necessarily indispensable. "Instrumental" carries a stronger sense of importance.