is irreplaceable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is irreplaceable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that cannot be replaced or substituted. Example: "Her unique perspective on the project is irreplaceable, and we would struggle to find someone else with her insights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Roger is irreplaceable.

Independent

No one is irreplaceable".

Independent

That thunk is irreplaceable.

The New York Times

This is irreplaceable capital".

The New York Times

She is irreplaceable".

The New York Times - Arts

He is irreplaceable.

The New York Times

"The orchestra is irreplaceable.

The Guardian - Music

Your friendship is irreplaceable.

The New York Times

His friendship is irreplaceable.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Few products are irreplaceable.

The New Yorker

"These are irreplaceable objects".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the impossibility of replacement, rather than simply indicating high value or importance which may have alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "is irreplaceable" when "is highly valuable" or similar phrases are more appropriate. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and credibility. For example, while a team member might be highly skilled, claiming they are "irreplaceable" may be an overstatement if others can fulfill the role with sufficient training.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is irreplaceable" is as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or pronoun as being impossible to replace. This usage aligns with Ludwig's examples, demonstrating its function in attributing a unique and essential quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is irreplaceable" functions as a predicate adjective, conveying that someone or something is unique and impossible to replace. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects true irreplaceability rather than mere high value. Alternatives like "is indispensable" or "is essential" may be more appropriate in some situations. Avoid overusing the phrase to maintain its impact. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its correct usage and versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is irreplaceable asset

Adding "asset" specify the irreplaceable concept to the fact that something brings utility or value.

is impossible to substitute

Highlights the impossibility to replace with something that perform the same action or result.

is indispensable

Emphasizes necessity rather than uniqueness; suggests something is crucial but not necessarily unique.

is essential

Highlights the critical nature of something, implying it's fundamental but replaceable with something equivalent.

is invaluable

Focuses on the high value or worth, suggesting it's difficult to quantify or replace due to its benefits.

is unique

Stresses the distinct and unparalleled nature, but does not directly imply it cannot be substituted.

cannot be matched

Highlights the difficulty of finding an equal, emphasizing a challenge in equivalence.

is one of a kind

Emphasizes singularity and uniqueness, rather than focusing on the impossibility of replacement.

is unmatched

Suggests superiority and a lack of equal comparison, rather than the impossibility of replacement.

is unparalleled

Highlights the lack of precedent or comparison, focusing on uniqueness rather than replaceability.

FAQs

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

You can use "is irreplaceable" to describe something or someone so unique or essential that they cannot be replaced. For example, "Her dedication to the project is irreplaceable" or "This historical artifact is irreplaceable".

What are some alternatives to saying something "is irreplaceable"?

Alternatives include "is indispensable", "is essential", "is invaluable", "is unique", or "cannot be matched", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is irreplaceable" rather than "is valuable"?

"Is irreplaceable" should be used when something truly cannot be replaced by anything else, indicating its unique nature. "Is valuable" is appropriate when something has high worth but can be replaced by something of equal value. For example, a historical document is irreplaceable, while a piece of jewelry might be valuable but replaceable.

Is it correct to say "nobody is irreplaceable"?

Yes, the phrase "nobody is irreplaceable" is a common expression used to suggest that everyone can be replaced in a professional or organizational context. It emphasizes that systems should not depend on any single individual.