is instrumental

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is instrumental" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something plays a significant role or is a key factor in achieving a particular outcome. Example: "Her research is instrumental in advancing our understanding of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jobs is instrumental in that but he is not the instrument of that.

TechCrunch

Her role in employment is instrumental.

Independent

A deep underwater canyon is instrumental to its formation.

The Guardian - Sport

Paule Constable's extraordinary lighting is instrumental in establishing Joan's power.

The Guardian

They will meet again and the Manaus game is instrumental for England.

The Guardian - Sport

The breezy Surreal Exposure is an unhurried delight, as is instrumental opener The Disney Afternoon.

The Guardian - Music

But, in his world, the truth's value is instrumental, rather than intrinsic.

The New Yorker

"This project is instrumental to the renaissance of downtown," said Bridgeport Mayor John M. Fabrizi.

The New York Times

The development bank is instrumental in providing long-term lending and in guiding privatizations.

The New York Times

He puts titles to things, even though his music is instrumental.

The Guardian - Arts

The second type of learning technique is instrumental learning, or conditioning, also called operant conditioning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is instrumental", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what the subject is instrumental in. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "is instrumental" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "is crucial" or "plays a key role" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is instrumental" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject as a key factor or means to achieving a particular outcome. As evidenced by Ludwig, it highlights the significance and contribution of something in a specific context. It's often followed by a prepositional phrase indicating what the subject is instrumental in.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is instrumental" is a versatile expression used to emphasize the crucial role something plays in achieving a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains. Alternatives such as "is crucial" or "plays a key role" can be used to add variety to writing. While generally acceptable, it's advisable to avoid overuse in formal settings and ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is instrumental in to prevent ambiguity. Its high frequency underscores its value in conveying significance and contribution in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plays a key role

Focuses on the importance of the role something has.

is crucial

Emphasizes the critical nature of something.

is vital

Highlights the essential and necessary aspect.

is essential

Stresses the fundamental requirement of something.

is significant

Underlines the importance or consequence of something.

is critical

Indicates a decisive or crucial factor.

is fundamental

Highlights the basic or foundational aspect.

is indispensable

Stresses the irreplaceability or necessity of something.

is pivotal

Highlights the turning point or crucial role.

is paramount

Emphasizes the supreme importance of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is instrumental" is used to describe something that plays a crucial role in achieving a particular outcome. For example: "Her leadership "is instrumental" in the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "is instrumental"?

You can use alternatives like "is crucial", "is vital", or "plays a key role" depending on the context.

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

"Is instrumental" implies a direct contribution to a specific result, while "is important" is a more general statement of significance. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

What does "is instrumental" mean?

The phrase "is instrumental" means that something is an important factor in causing something to happen. It suggests that without this factor, the outcome would be different or not possible.