a key component of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a key component of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is essential or important to an activity or process. For example: "Time management is a key component of successful business management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sheley called Keys' oversight "a key component" of the agreement.

HuffPost

Blame is a key component of progress.

The Economist

Pakistan remains a key component of that.

The New York Times

It's a key component of our institution.

The Washington Post

Density, he concluded, is a key component of innovation.

The New York Times

Poverty eradication is a key component of environmental conservation.

The Guardian

A key component of sustainable agriculture is water.

The Guardian

Pointlessness is a key component of my brand.

The New Yorker

Subglottic air pressure: a key component of swallowing efficiency.

Nature

Telemedicine is a key component of medical care on ISS.

Harvard Business Review

Education is a key component of patient management.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key component of", ensure that the noun following "of" is specific and clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "a key component of success", specify "a key component of project success".

Common error

Avoid using "a key component of" multiple times within a short paragraph. Vary your language with synonyms like "essential element", "vital part", or "critical aspect" to improve readability and prevent repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key component of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, highlighting the significance of a particular element within a broader context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key component of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of specific elements within a larger context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While suitable across various contexts, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "essential element" or "vital part" for enhanced clarity and impact. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Academic and Science sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential element of

Replaces "key component" with "essential element", emphasizing necessity.

a vital part of

Substitutes "key component" with "vital part", highlighting importance for success.

a critical aspect of

Replaces "key component" with "critical aspect", focusing on the crucial nature.

an integral feature of

Changes "key component" to "integral feature", suggesting inseparability from the whole.

a fundamental element of

Replaces "key component" with "fundamental element", pointing to a basic, underlying aspect.

a significant factor in

Shifts from a part to a influencing element, yet retaining the importance

a cornerstone of

Emphasizes that something is essential and foundational.

central to

Expresses that something is the core part of anything.

plays a crucial role in

Indicates that something is essential for success or in order to trigger a certain consequence.

is paramount to

Expresses that something is the most important element in a certain event.

FAQs

How can I use "a key component of" in a sentence?

Use "a key component of" to highlight the importance of a specific element within a larger context. For instance, "Effective communication is "a key component of" successful teamwork".

What are some alternatives to "a key component of"?

You can use phrases like "an essential element of", "a vital part of", or "a critical aspect of" as alternatives to "a key component of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "key component" or "essential component"?

Both "key component" and "essential component" are grammatically correct and similar in meaning. The choice depends on the context and desired emphasis. "Key component" is generally used to highlight importance, while "essential component" stresses necessity.

How do I avoid overusing "a key component of" in my writing?

To prevent overuse, vary your sentence structure and vocabulary. Instead of always stating "X is "a key component of" Y", try rephrasing to say "X plays a crucial role in Y" or "Y relies heavily on X".