a key claim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key claim" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an important assertion or statement that is central to an argument or discussion. Example: "In her research paper, she presented a key claim that challenges the existing theories on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

A key claim is that it activates and strengthens "core" abdominal muscles, which is probably true.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The row between the Government and the BBC was ignited when Mr Campbell reacted furiously to a report by Andrew Gilligan on the Today programme implying that he had inserted a key claim in the dossier stating weapons could be launched in 45 minutes.

Independent

The panel also discovered that a key claim in the paper, that only 185 eggs were used to create the 11 stem cell lines, was false.

Science Magazine

A key claim in Descartes's argument is that "the fact that I can clearly and distinctly understand one thing apart from another is enough to make me certain that the two things are distinct" (Descartes 1641a, 2.54).

SEP

A key claim in Fodor's work is that when it comes to circumscribing the consequences of an action, just as in the business of theory confirmation in science, anything could be relevant (Fodor 1983, 105).

SEP

A key claim made in this paper is that centrality measures can be regarded as generating expected values for certain kinds of node outcomes (such as speed and frequency of reception) given implicit models of how traffic flows, and that this provides a new and useful way of thinking about centrality.

Social Networks

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The Catch A Key Argument In Denying Claims Some securities lawyers and regulators say that the arguments used by the corporation to justify the denial of Mr. Heebner's claim for more than four years are characteristic of the corporation's approach to investor protection.

The New York Times

They argued that a law Key claimed would protect New Zealanders, actually allowed a loophole that the NSA and GCSB both acknowledged would complete phase 2 of something called Operation Speargun.

Vice

12.29pm: Here are a few key claims we have pulled out so far in relation to Ashley Highfield, who was Future Media & Technology head before Erik Huggers took over as Highfield left to take over the Kangaroo web TV project.

The Guardian

Even Brexit supporters admit that this key claim was a lie.

Huffington Post

Why did the trial judge not automatically disqualify a juror who seemed hostile to a key defense claim?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a key claim", ensure it's clearly defined and supported with evidence to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting every claim as "a key claim". Reserve this phrase for truly central arguments to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

A key claim functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object complement in a sentence. It introduces a significant assertion or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its typical role based on example sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key claim" is a useful phrase for introducing essential assertions in various contexts, including science and news media. Ludwig AI classifies it as grammatically correct and commonly used. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly define and support the claim with evidence. Overusing the phrase, however, can diminish its impact. Alternatives like "a central assertion" or "a core argument" can add variety to your writing. Remember, a well-supported "a key claim" strengthens your overall argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central assertion

Replaces "key" with "central", highlighting the importance of the claim.

a main assertion

Replaces "key" with "main", emphasizing the principal nature of the claim.

the most important claim

Adds more emphasis on importance.

a fundamental assertion

Highlights the foundational nature of the assertion.

a core argument

Substitutes "claim" with "argument", framing it as a foundational point.

a critical argument

Emphasizes the importance of the argument using "critical".

a primary contention

Uses "contention" instead of "claim", suggesting a point of debate.

a significant argument

Indicates the considerable importance of the argument.

a crucial point

Shifts from "claim" to "point", focusing on significance.

a pivotal statement

Replaces "claim" with "statement", and "key" with "pivotal", suggesting a turning point.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a key claim" in a sentence?

Use "a key claim" to introduce an essential assertion or argument in your text. For instance, "A key claim of this study is that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes."

What are some alternatives to using "a key claim"?

Alternatives include "a central assertion", "a core argument", or "a primary contention". Choose the one that best fits the context and your writing style.

Is there a difference between "a key claim" and "an important claim"?

"A key claim" suggests a more fundamental or essential role in the argument, whereas "an important claim" simply highlights significance.

How can I ensure my "key claims" are convincing?

Support your "key claims" with robust evidence, logical reasoning, and clear explanations. Address potential counterarguments and provide credible sources.