they are integral

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are integral" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is essential or necessary to a whole or a system. Example: "In our project, the team members are integral to achieving our goals and ensuring success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are integral, organic, historic".

The New York Times

They are integral to the process.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are integral to respect for local concerns.

The New York Times

Suck up the spaceships; they are integral to the plot.

The Guardian

They are integral parts of the activation of the female ANS".

The Guardian - Books

They are integral parts of their communities -- and often the largest employers.

The New York Times

Trophy hunters often defend their activities by claiming they are integral to conversation efforts.

Independent

They are integral to the free-market project, which can only advance against a background of disasters.

The Guardian - Books

The personal relationships we build in primary care must remain a priority, because they are integral to improved health outcomes.

The New York Times

All, that is, except for drones — which explains why they are integral to Amazon's vision of the future of retail.

The New York Times - Tech

Hank's prejudice and suspicion are not simply mistaken attitudes in need of correction; they are integral to his character.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are integral" to clearly convey that certain elements are not optional but fundamentally necessary for a system, process, or concept to function correctly or achieve its intended purpose. For example, in discussing a business strategy, emphasize that certain departments or roles are "integral" to the overall success.

Common error

Avoid using "they are integral" when describing something merely helpful or beneficial, instead of something fundamentally required. For example, while good communication might improve a project, it's potentially misleading to say that it's 'integral' if the project could theoretically succeed without it. Using words like "helpful", "useful" or "beneficial" will be more fitting in this case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are integral" functions as a subject complement, linking the subject ("they") to a description of its essential nature. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct and effective for emphasizing the fundamental importance of something. For example, "They are integral to the process" highlights that the 'they' cannot be removed without affecting the whole.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are integral" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey that certain elements are essential and indispensable within a system or context. Ludwig AI validates its usage and indicates its suitability across various registers, particularly in news, scientific, and professional domains. While the phrase is best suited to describing elements that are absolutely necessary, one should avoid using it when referring to elements that are merely helpful or beneficial. Closely related phrases include "they are essential", "they are crucial", and "they are fundamental", each of which provides nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are essential

Replaces "integral" with "essential", highlighting the absolute necessity of something.

they are crucial

Uses "crucial" instead of "integral", stressing the critical importance to the outcome.

they are fundamental

Substitutes "fundamental" for "integral", focusing on the foundational aspect.

they are indispensable

Replaces "integral" with "indispensable", indicating that something is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

they are vital

Uses "vital" instead of "integral", suggesting that something is necessary for the survival or proper functioning of something.

they are inherent

Replaces "integral" with "inherent", focusing on the fact that something is a natural or essential part.

they are intrinsic

Substitutes "intrinsic" for "integral", emphasizing that something is essential and belongs naturally to something.

they are key

Uses "key" instead of "integral", stressing the element of high importance to unlock something.

they are core

Replaces "integral" with "core", highlighting the central or most important aspect.

they are constituent

Substitutes "constituent" for "integral", emphasizing that something is a component part.

FAQs

How can I use "they are integral" in a sentence?

Use "they are integral" to emphasize that certain components are essential and necessary for a system or process. For example, "The support of the community and local businesses /s/they+are+integral to the success of this project".

What phrases are similar to "they are integral"?

You can use phrases like "they are essential", "they are crucial", or "they are fundamental" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "they are integral" in formal writing?

Yes, "they are integral" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to express that something is essential. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey; consider alternatives if a different emphasis is needed.

What's the difference between "they are integral" and "they are important"?

"They are integral" implies a necessary component that is essential to the whole, while "they are important" suggests a significant but potentially non-essential role. Integral elements are indispensable, whereas important elements contribute value but might be replaceable.