a key change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key change" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in music to refer to a shift in the tonal center or key of a piece, often to create a different emotional effect or to add variety. Example: "The song features a key change that elevates the chorus and adds excitement to the overall composition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I thought I'd never write a song if it needs a key change!" A year later, she bought herself a £50 guitar, and tried again, teaching herself in her bedroom.

Independent

With a key change.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was like a key change.

The New Yorker

It builds without a key change until the 326th bar.

The New York Times - Health

Ever since then we've been wanting to put a key change on a song.

The Guardian - Music

She insists that the past 10 years have seen a key change.

Independent

A key change, a chorus, a sound effect, it jolts you out of your soundscape into the next chapter.

The Guardian - Music

Two minutes into Anecdotes, the military-themed opener, there is a key change that yanks the rug from under you.

The Guardian - Music

So there has been a key change, to get from there to where we are now, fantasising about hideaways in the wilderness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

9.04pm BST Andrew Wilson (@AndrewWilsonAJW) Stop the bus. the IMF and central banks calling for action on inequality is quite a key change.

The Guardian - Business

Making land data available to everyone for free was a key change in South Africa after apartheid: it was recognised as important to make every citizen equal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key change" metaphorically (outside of music), ensure the context clearly indicates a significant shift in approach, strategy, or perspective to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the phrase "a key change" in non-musical contexts where more precise terminology would be clearer. Overusing the expression makes it less impactful. For example, it's often better to use "a shift in strategy" rather than "a key change in strategy" to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key change" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a specific type of musical event but is often used metaphorically to describe a significant alteration or shift in a broader context. Ludwig provides numerous examples of both musical and metaphorical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key change" is widely recognized and commonly used, as demonstrated by the numerous examples found by Ludwig. Primarily used in music to denote a shift in tonal center, it also serves as a metaphorical expression for significant alterations across diverse fields. While grammatically correct and accepted, its metaphorical use should be wielded with purpose, because in those cases more alternatives could be more precise.

As confirmed by Ludwig AI, "a key change" is suitable for use in a variety of contexts, ranging from musical analysis to general discussions of shifts and transformations. When using it metaphorically, you have to consider that a more specific alternative would improve your writing, improving the clarity and the engagement of the content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant alteration

Emphasizes the importance of the change, similar to "key" but uses "alteration" instead of "change".

a major transformation

Highlights the transformative nature of the change, suggesting a more profound impact.

a pivotal shift

Focuses on the turning point aspect of the change, implying a crucial moment.

a fundamental modification

Stresses the foundational nature of the change, indicating a deep-seated alteration.

a critical adjustment

Highlights the necessary correction or adaptation that the change represents.

a marked departure

Emphasizes the deviation from a previous state or condition.

a radical revision

Indicates a comprehensive and drastic change.

a notable difference

Focuses on the easily observed contrast resulting from the change.

a distinct variation

Highlights a clear and recognizable change from the original.

an important development

Focuses on the progressive and consequential nature of the change.

FAQs

How can I use "a key change" in a sentence?

You can use "a key change" to describe a shift in music, such as "The song featured "a key change" in the bridge". It can also be used metaphorically, like "The company made "a key change" in its marketing strategy".

What's another way to say "a key change" when not referring to music?

Outside of music, consider using phrases like "a significant alteration", "a pivotal shift", or "a major transformation depending on the context".

Is "a key change" only used in the context of music?

While "a key change" is primarily associated with music, describing a shift in the tonal center, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a significant shift or alteration in other areas.

What is the effect of including "a key change" in a song?

In music, "a key change" can create a sense of surprise, uplift, or emotional intensity, adding depth and interest to the composition.