this was instrumental

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "this was instrumental" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something or someone that played a crucial role in causing a particular outcome or achieving a specific result. Example: "The new marketing strategy was instrumental in increasing our sales by 50%."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 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

Looking back at this list, I realize that all of these books have a real emphasis on self- determination – as a child this was instrumental to me: the knowledge that I could (through these characters's examples) become the person that I wanted to be.

The New York Times

This was instrumental in paying for materials to fund their war.

Forbes

According to Bubble Motion's CEO, Thomas Clayton, this was instrumental in the service taking off in emerging markets in Asia, where smartphones didn't (and don't) hold the lion's share of the mobiles.

TechCrunch

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

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

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

Journal of Hepatology

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

Huffington Post

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

This discovery was instrumental in the successful community effort to end this policy.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this was instrumental", ensure that the connection between the subject and the outcome is clear and well-supported by evidence or context.

Common error

Avoid using "this was instrumental" when the subject had only a minor or indirect impact. Reserve it for situations where the contribution was genuinely crucial to the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was instrumental" functions as a predicate adjective, attributing a quality of crucial importance to a subject. As Ludwig AI shows, this construction typically describes something that significantly contributed to a specific result or outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

29%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was instrumental" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to highlight the critical role something played in achieving a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a range of contexts, from news and media to scientific writing, with a generally neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the connection between the subject and the outcome is clear and well-supported. Related phrases include "this was crucial", "this was essential", and "this played a key role". While versatile, overstating the importance of something using "this was instrumental" should be avoided, reserving its use for genuinely critical contributions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this was crucial

Stresses the essential nature of something. Substitutes "instrumental" with "crucial".

this was essential

Emphasizes the absolute need for something. Changes "instrumental" to "essential".

this was vital

Indicates something was necessary and indispensable. Replaces "instrumental" with "vital".

this played a key role

Emphasizes the importance of a factor in achieving a result. Differs by using a more active phrasing.

this was pivotal

Suggests a turning point or critical moment. Replaces "instrumental" with "pivotal".

this was indispensable

Highlights the absolute necessity of something. Replaces "instrumental" with "indispensable".

this was a major factor

Highlights the significance of something as one of the main influences or elements. Uses "major factor" instead of "instrumental".

this was fundamental

Indicates a basic and necessary element. Substitutes "instrumental" with "fundamental".

this was significant

Highlights the importance and impact. Uses "significant" as an alternative to "instrumental".

this greatly contributed

Focuses on the contribution made by something. Modifies the structure to an active voice.

FAQs

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

Use "this was instrumental" to highlight the critical role something played in achieving a particular outcome. For example, "The team's dedication was instrumental in the project's success."

What phrases are similar to "this was instrumental"?

You can use alternatives like "this was crucial", "this was essential", or "this played a key role" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "this was instrumental" or "this helped"?

"This was instrumental" emphasizes a more critical and decisive role compared to "this helped". Use "this was instrumental" when something was essential for success.

What is the difference between "this was instrumental" and "this was important"?

"This was instrumental" suggests a direct and significant impact on the outcome, while "this was important" simply indicates value or relevance without necessarily implying a decisive role.