instrumental role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instrumental role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a person or thing that has been important in pushing forward a particular activity or achieving a desired result. For example, "The teacher played an instrumental role in helping the students prepare for the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And yes, intelligence did play an instrumental role.

The New York Times - Books

It played an instrumental role in fighting the wildfires in the pine barrens in 1995.

The New York Times

Dr. Shenker played an instrumental role in increasing enrollment and transforming the Campus.

The New York Times

She played an instrumental role in the development of hundreds of children.

The New York Times

Once the occupation leaves, the Sadrists will have an instrumental role".

The New York Times

Warren played an instrumental role in the formation of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.

The Guardian

Meek will play an instrumental role in the selection of a Project Canvas chief executive.

The Guardian

Other, more radical, historians see the state as playing an instrumental role in getting markets going.

The Economist

William played an instrumental role in Skipper's younger years developing a very caring and loving relationship.

The New York Times

Said to have played an instrumental role in delivering Pacquiao to Bob Arum and Top Rank Promotions.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Hoffmann, to be sure, is a friend who has played an instrumental role in Mr. Sehgal's career.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instrumental role", clearly specify the context or outcome that the role influences. This helps to avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of the "instrumental role". Ensure that the role genuinely had a significant impact, rather than merely contributing in a minor way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instrumental role" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically describing the significance or importance of something. It indicates that the subject played a crucial part in achieving a specific outcome, as suggested by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instrumental role" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to highlight the crucial importance of something or someone in achieving a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its frequent appearance in news, science, and formal business contexts indicates its broad applicability across various domains. When using "instrumental role", ensure that you clearly define the context and the specific impact of the role to maximize the clarity and effectiveness of your communication. Avoiding exaggeration and accurately portraying the significance of the role will further strengthen your message. Alternative expressions like "key function" or "pivotal part" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key function

Focuses on the essential nature of the role.

pivotal part

Emphasizes the turning point or critical aspect of the role.

crucial element

Highlights the necessary and vital component of the role.

significant contribution

Stresses the valuable input and impact of the role.

essential component

Focuses on the necessity and integrality of the role.

vital function

Highlights the role's importance for survival or success.

primary driver

Emphasizes the role as a main impetus or force.

leading factor

Highlights the role as one of the main influences.

central aspect

Focuses on the core and fundamental part of the role.

principal influence

Stresses the role's dominant effect or power.

FAQs

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

You can use "instrumental role" to describe something or someone that is crucial in achieving a particular outcome. For example, "Technology played an instrumental role in the company's success".

What are some alternatives to "instrumental role"?

Some alternatives include "key function", "pivotal part", or "crucial element", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "instrumental role" or "important role"?

"Instrumental role" suggests a higher degree of importance and active influence than "important role". "Instrumental" implies that something was essential in bringing about a particular result.

Can a person have an "instrumental role"?

Yes, a person can definitely have an "instrumental role". It signifies that their actions or contributions were crucial to a particular outcome or project. For example, "The project manager had an instrumental role in the successful completion of the project".