was instrumental

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was instrumental" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that played a significant role in achieving a particular outcome or success. Example: "Her contributions to the project were instrumental in its success, leading to a significant increase in revenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was instrumental guitar.

The New York Times

"It was instrumental".

The New York Times

He was instrumental.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Ackman was instrumental in the hire.

The New York Times

Tanya was instrumental in bringing people together.

The Guardian

And I was instrumental in that".

Independent

Mr. Ackman was instrumental in that move.

The New York Times

Bundling of services was instrumental too.

The Economist

"He was instrumental in that.

The Guardian - Sport

Pope was instrumental in the third goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Fassbender was instrumental to Kurzel's progress.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was instrumental" to highlight a specific contribution or action that had a significant impact on the outcome. Avoid overuse in contexts where the contribution was minor or indirect.

Common error

Avoid using "was instrumental" when describing events or contributions that had minimal impact. Reserve this phrase for situations where the contribution was truly critical to the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was instrumental" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject played a crucial role in bringing about a particular result. Ludwig shows that it is used to emphasize the importance of someone or something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was instrumental" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something played a crucial role in achieving a particular result. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a widely used phrase across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When using this phrase, ensure that the contribution being described was truly critical to the outcome. If a more casual tone is desired, alternatives like "played a key role" or "was crucial" can be considered. The phrase's versatility and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

played a key role

Replaces "was instrumental" with a more common and direct expression, emphasizing the importance of the contribution.

was crucial

Indicates that something was essential and decisive, similar to being instrumental.

was pivotal

Highlights the turning-point nature of the contribution, synonymous with instrumental.

was essential

Emphasizes the necessity of the contribution, sharing a close meaning to "was instrumental".

was vital

Similar to essential, conveys the critical importance of something.

was significant

Indicates a notable and important contribution, aligning with the meaning of instrumental.

was fundamental

Suggests that something formed a necessary base or core, similar to being instrumental.

made a major contribution

Focuses on the act of contributing significantly, instead of describing something as instrumental.

was critical to

Emphasizes the importance of something for a specific outcome or goal.

was a driving force

Suggests that something propelled or strongly influenced an outcome, analogous to being instrumental.

FAQs

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

Use "was instrumental" to describe a person, thing, or action that played a crucial role in achieving a particular result. For example, "Her research "was instrumental" in developing the new treatment".

What can I say instead of "was instrumental"?

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

Which is correct, "was instrumental to" or "was instrumental in"?

"Was instrumental in" is the correct and more common usage. "Was instrumental to" is less frequent and may sound awkward in many contexts.

What's the difference between "was helpful" and "was instrumental"?

"Was helpful" implies providing assistance, while ""was instrumental"" suggests a critical and decisive role in achieving a specific outcome. Being instrumental implies a higher degree of impact and importance.