prove indispensable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prove indispensable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is essential or necessary in a particular context or situation. Example: "The new software has proven indispensable for streamlining our workflow and increasing productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

But the latest hot phrase to emerge from the film industry may well prove indispensable.

The New Yorker

When that fails, his connections with border guards on the night shift prove indispensable.

The New York Times

The historical thesaurus will also prove indispensable to anyone scripting a costume drama.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her calculations very soon prove indispensable to the effort to put the first American astronaut, Alan Shepard, into outer space.

The New Yorker

Banned under Colonel Qaddafi, such organizations are likely to prove indispensable for the protection of Libyan history.

The New York Times

Twenty years in the making, the book retailed at £ 4,900, and the Times Literary Supplement hailed it as a reference work that would soon prove indispensable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

By that standard, the League of Nations proved indispensable when Italy invaded Ethiopia.

The New York Times - Books

His "leadership proved indispensable" in American dealings with Iran, the president said.

The New York Times

The evacuation map, with its color-coded zones, proved indispensable during the storm.

The New York Times

At the American Embassy in Rome, the girl's elementary-school English proved indispensable to her parents for the first time.

The New York Times

TRIPIT PRO TripIt, a free Web service that helps travelers organize their itineraries, has proven indispensable to me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prove indispensable", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific need or purpose the subject fulfills. This avoids vagueness and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "prove indispensable" for things that are merely helpful or convenient. Reserve it for situations where the subject is genuinely essential and irreplaceable for achieving a particular outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prove indispensable" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective, indicating that something has demonstrated itself to be essential or critically important. Examples from Ludwig show its use across various contexts, signifying something's irreplaceability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prove indispensable" is a phrase used to describe something that has demonstrated its critical importance and necessity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the specific need or purpose the subject fulfills. Consider alternatives like "turn out to be essential" or "become a necessity" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prove to be vital

Similar but employs the word "vital" instead of "indispensable".

prove to be critical

Similar but employs the word "critical" instead of "indispensable".

show itself to be crucial

Highlights the manifestation of critical importance.

turn out to be essential

Emphasizes the outcome of something being vital.

establish its necessity

Emphasizes the act of confirming that something is needed.

become a necessity

Highlights the transformation into something required.

become irreplaceable

Highlights the inability to substitute something.

demonstrate its importance

Focuses on actively showing the value or significance.

show its absolute value

Emphasizes that the worth of something is unquestionable.

validate its usefulness

Stresses the confirmation of practical benefit.

FAQs

How can I use "prove indispensable" in a sentence?

Use "prove indispensable" to describe something that becomes absolutely necessary or essential in a specific situation. For example, "The new software "proved indispensable" for managing large datasets".

What does "prove indispensable" mean?

It means to demonstrate or establish that something is absolutely necessary or essential. It implies that success or progress would be impossible without it.

Which is correct, "prove indispensable" or "proves indispensable"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "prove indispensable" for plural subjects or with auxiliary verbs like 'will' or 'may'. Use "proves indispensable" for singular subjects in the present tense.

What can I say instead of "prove indispensable"?

You can use alternatives like "turn out to be essential", "prove to be vital", or "become a necessity" depending on the context.