C1adjective 3K

Instrumental

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/"]/

Meaning of Instrumental

important in making something happen

In simple words: Related to tools or methods used to do something.

Instrumental in a sentence

• The Conservation Trust performs an instrumental role in the protection of rural environments.
• He was instrumental in bringing about an end to the conflict.
• They were highly instrumental in bringing the business to Newtown.
• instrumental music
• The songs are largely instrumental.
• the instrumental case

How to use Instrumental

Use 'instrumental' when talking about something that helps achieve a result. It’s appropriate in both academic and casual contexts, but might sound a bit formal in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

instrumental + in/for + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'instrument' helping you play music — it's crucial to the performance.

Related words

Collocations with Instrumental

• be
• prove
• become
• highly
• very
• essentially
• in
• be
• largely
• mostly
• entirely

Synonyms for Instrumental

• essential
• critical
• helpful
• conducive
• beneficial

Opposites of Instrumental

• unimportant
• insignificant
• ineffective

Common mistakes with Instrumental

• 'Instrumental' misused as 'instrument' in context.
• Confusing it with 'instumentalize', which is less common.
• Using it in non-causal contexts (e.g., saying 'instrumental' when something is simply 'useful').

Frequently asked questions about Instrumental

What does Instrumental mean?

Related to tools or methods used to do something.

What is the definition of Instrumental?

important in making something happen

How do you use Instrumental in a sentence?

The Conservation Trust performs an instrumental role in the protection of rural environments.

Can you give another example of Instrumental?

He was instrumental in bringing about an end to the conflict.

What are synonyms for Instrumental?

Common alternatives include essential, critical, helpful, conducive, beneficial.

What is the opposite of Instrumental?

Opposite meanings include unimportant, insignificant, ineffective.

What words go with Instrumental?

It commonly pairs with be, prove, become, highly, very, essentially, in, be, largely, mostly, entirely.

What are common mistakes when using Instrumental?

'Instrumental' misused as 'instrument' in context. Confusing it with 'instumentalize', which is less common. Using it in non-causal contexts (e.g., saying 'instrumental' when something is simply 'useful').

How do you pronounce Instrumental?

US: /["/ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/"]/, UK: /["/ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Instrumental?

Use 'instrumental' when talking about something that helps achieve a result. It’s appropriate in both academic and casual contexts, but might sound a bit formal in everyday conversation.

What CEFR level is Instrumental?

"Instrumental" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.