is not indispensable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not indispensable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not essential or necessary in a particular context. Example: "While having a backup plan is helpful, it is not indispensable for achieving success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

He is not indispensable.

The Guardian - Sport

"Ecologically, the bear is not indispensable," he said.

The New York Times

While the idea of a public plan makes good sense to us, it is not indispensable.

The New York Times

President Assad is not indispensable, and we have absolutely nothing invested in him remaining in power".

The New York Times

"Torture is not indispensable in time of war, we could have gotten along without it very well," he said.

The New York Times

A glance at the history of European poetry is enough to inform us that rhyme itself is not indispensable.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Look: Bernanke isn't indispensable, any more than Alan Greenspan or Paul Volcker or William McChesney Martin were.

The Economist

Schoenberg notoriously said of the listener: "All I know is that he exists, and insofar as he isn't indispensable for acoustic reasons (since music doesn't sound well in an empty hall), he's only a nuisance".

The New York Times - Arts

"The Americans are not indispensable".

The New York Times

I'm not indispensable at my job but, like, I'm kind of the office mascot.

The New Yorker

C.E.O.s don't like to think about succession, because it means contemplating the possibility that they're not indispensable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is not indispensable for. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "is not indispensable" when the subject is, in reality, crucial or vital. This can undermine your credibility and mislead your audience. Reserve the phrase for situations where genuine alternatives exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not indispensable" functions as a negative assertion, indicating that something is not absolutely necessary or essential. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not indispensable" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that suggests something is not absolutely essential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though its register leans towards neutral. The phrase appears frequently in both scientific and news media, indicating its broad applicability. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring that you're not downplaying the importance of something that is, in reality, crucial. Alternatives like "is not essential" or "is not necessary" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not essential

Replaces "indispensable" with "essential", implying something is not required.

is not necessary

Substitutes "indispensable" with "necessary", suggesting something is not needed.

is not crucial

Uses "crucial" instead of "indispensable", conveying something is not vital.

is not vital

Replaces "indispensable" with "vital", indicating something is not critical.

is not required

Substitutes "indispensable" with "required", suggesting something is not obligatory.

is not mandatory

Uses "mandatory" instead of "indispensable", conveying something is not compulsory.

is not obligatory

Replaces "indispensable" with "obligatory", implying something is not compulsory.

is not paramount

Substitutes "indispensable" with "paramount", suggesting something is not of utmost importance.

is not fundamental

Uses "fundamental" instead of "indispensable", conveying something is not basic or core.

is not irreplaceable

Replaces "indispensable" with "irreplaceable", implying something can be substituted.

FAQs

How can I use "is not indispensable" in a sentence?

Use "is not indispensable" to suggest that something is helpful but not absolutely necessary. For example, "While a detailed budget is helpful, it "is not indispensable" for starting a small project".

What are some alternatives to saying "is not indispensable"?

You can use phrases like "is not essential", "is not necessary", or "is not crucial" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "is not indispensable"?

It's appropriate when you want to communicate that something is optional or that there are viable alternatives available. This can be useful in discussions about resource allocation, project planning, or strategic decision-making.

Is "is not indispensable" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "is not indispensable" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the overall tone and audience than on the specific words themselves.