very instrumental

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very instrumental" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to something or someone who has been very useful or helpful in achieving a goal or completing a task. For example, "John has been very instrumental in completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are very instrumental in getting them into school.

The New York Times

"They've been very instrumental," she said of her parents.

The New York Times

John says that Corey was "very instrumental" with Daleesha.

The New Yorker

"He and Joey were very instrumental in the result.

Independent

"It was very instrumental in that period of physics".

The New York Times - Science

We had some coaches, one guy who was very instrumental in youth football, who passed away.

The Guardian - Sport

"Our top players are going to be very instrumental like they always are.

The Guardian - Sport

I think it was very instrumental in the birth of the Memphis sound.

The Guardian - Music

"He was very instrumental in making our class a success in 2006," Mr. Welch said.

The New York Times

"He was very instrumental in my becoming a real competitor," Rankin said.

The New York Times

"In the past three or four years," he said admiringly, "Beck was very instrumental in providing good P.R. for Israel".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very instrumental", consider specifying the exact area or aspect in which the subject was influential to provide clarity and context. For example: "She was very instrumental in securing funding for the project".

Common error

Avoid using "very instrumental" as a vague compliment. Instead, detail the specific actions or contributions that made the subject so effective. Without context, the phrase can sound generic and lack impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very instrumental" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, highlighting the significant role or contribution of that noun. As Ludwig AI notes, this phrase emphasizes the importance of the subject in achieving a particular outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very instrumental" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that emphasizes the significant role of someone or something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and effective for highlighting importance. While versatile, it is most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. To enhance clarity and impact, remember to specify the area of influence and avoid overuse. By considering alternatives such as "very pivotal" or "highly instrumental", you can ensure your writing remains precise and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very pivotal

Replaces "instrumental" with "pivotal", emphasizing the turning-point nature of the contribution.

very central

Substitutes "instrumental" with "central", highlighting the core importance of the role.

quite instrumental

Replaces "very" with "quite", slightly reducing the degree of impact.

very invaluable

Uses "invaluable" instead of "instrumental", stressing the immeasurable worth of the contribution.

very indispensable

Replaces "instrumental" with "indispensable", emphasizing the necessity of the contribution.

very key

Substitutes "instrumental" with "key", highlighting the critical importance.

highly instrumental

Replaces "very" with "highly", maintaining the strong degree of impact.

very essential

Uses "essential" instead of "instrumental", stressing the fundamental importance of the role.

very decisive

Replaces "instrumental" with "decisive", emphasizing the impact on a decision or outcome.

absolutely instrumental

Emphasizes impact more strongly by replacing "very" with "absolutely".

FAQs

How can I use "very instrumental" in a sentence?

You can use "very instrumental" to describe someone or something that played a key role in achieving a specific outcome. For example, "Her guidance was "very instrumental" in the team's success".

What are some alternatives to saying "very instrumental"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "very pivotal", "very central", or "highly instrumental".

Is it redundant to use "very" with "instrumental"?

While "instrumental" already implies importance, using "very instrumental" can add emphasis. However, ensure it is not overused, and consider whether a more specific adjective might be more impactful.

Which is more appropriate, "instrumental" or "very instrumental"?

Both are appropriate, but ""very instrumental"" amplifies the degree of impact or importance. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you wish to convey.