this is instrumental

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is instrumental" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is essential or plays a crucial role in achieving a particular outcome. Example: "In understanding the complexities of climate change, this is instrumental in shaping effective policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Been jumping rope, taking your Omega 3? This is instrumental power-trio prog-rock for those who never had time for Rush and find the Mars Volta a bridge to nowhere; it's greasy and physical and incredibly loud.

The New York Times - Arts

Outcome data applying this technology is lacking, and this is instrumental for clinical decision-making and for trial design.

Journal of Hepatology

This is instrumental in enhancing the computational understanding and data processing of human mobility, urban dynamic processes, and urban operational functioning, a process that entails analysis, interpretation, modeling, and evaluation of big data for enhanced decision-making and deep insights.

Journal of Big Data

Our proposal is to focus on the structure of the definitions, while omitting all physical contents, which are inaccessible to most potential readers: this is instrumental to the awareness campaigns recommended by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) to make the next edition of the SI understandable by a diverse readership without compromising scientific rigour.

Measurement

This is instrumental in improving children's perceptions of what they can achieve.

Unicef

This is instrumental to the creation of databases of paired experimental and simulated data necessary to a better comprehension of biological and medical data.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This was instrumental in changing the way New York looked at Mexican food.

The New York Times - Food

As with the Kalevala, this was instrumental in kindling renewed interest in a common national literary language in the late 19th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was instrumental in the transition of football from an amateur pastime to a professional business.

Wikipedia

Previous lobby days like this were instrumental in securing the current federal "cease fire" on medical cannabis.

Huffington Post

Taylor further states that this was instrumental in allowing cult films to break through to the mainstream.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is instrumental" to clearly emphasize the crucial role or importance of a specific factor or element in achieving a particular outcome. Ensure the context makes it clear what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "this is instrumental" in casual conversations or informal writing. This phrase is more appropriate for formal reports, academic papers, or professional communications where a serious and authoritative tone is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is instrumental" functions as a statement of significance. It asserts that a particular element, action, or factor is crucial and plays a vital role in achieving a specific outcome, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is instrumental" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies something is essential or plays a critical role, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, it appears primarily in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. Ludwig's examples show it's used to emphasize the importance of factors in achieving specific outcomes. Consider using alternatives like "this is crucial" or "this is vital" to vary your language and maintain an appropriate register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is crucial

Replaces "instrumental" with "crucial", emphasizing the vital importance of something.

this is vital

Substitutes "instrumental" with "vital", highlighting the necessity and importance.

this is essential

Replaces "instrumental" with "essential", underscoring the indispensable nature of something.

this is key

Uses "key" instead of "instrumental", suggesting something is a crucial factor.

this is critical

Replaces instrumental with critical, indicating a high level of importance and potential impact.

this is significant

Replaces "instrumental" with "significant", indicating the importance or consequence of something.

this is fundamental

Uses "fundamental" instead of "instrumental", highlighting the basic and essential nature of something.

this plays a key role

Rephrases to focus on the role something plays, rather than directly stating its instrumentality.

this is paramount

Substitutes "instrumental" with "paramount" to emphasize the supreme importance of the subject.

this is indispensable

Emphasizes the irreplaceable nature of something, suggesting it's critical for success.

FAQs

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

You can use "this is instrumental" to highlight the importance of something. For instance, "This research is instrumental in developing new treatments" or "This approach is instrumental to the project's success".

What can I say instead of "this is instrumental"?

You can use alternatives like "this is crucial", "this is vital", or "this is essential" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "this is instrumental" in formal writing?

While "this is instrumental" is generally suitable for formal writing, consider the specific audience and purpose. Sometimes, a more direct or simpler phrase might be more effective. Always ensure the phrase aligns with the overall tone and register of the document.

What's the difference between "this is instrumental" and "this is important"?

"This is instrumental" implies that something is not only important but also plays a key role in achieving a particular outcome. "This is important" is a more general statement of significance, while "this is instrumental" suggests a direct causal link to a specific result.