a key components of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key components of" is not correct because "components" is plural and should be preceded by "key component" in singular form.
You can use it when discussing an essential part of a larger system or concept, but it needs to be corrected to "a key component of." Example: "Collaboration is a key component of successful teamwork."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(A ) Key components of the sexual differentiation system.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Blame is a key component of progress.

The Economist

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

The New York Times

It also found phosphorus, a key component of DNA.

The Guardian

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

Rey Maualuga has been a key component of an improved Cincinnati Bengals defense.

The New York Times

It's a key component of who we are.

The New York Times

Education is a key component of patient management.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a key component of the show's success.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure subject-verb agreement. Since "components" is plural, use "key components" without the article 'a', or use the singular form "a key component."

Common error

Avoid using the article "a" before "key components" as it implies singularity when referring to multiple components. Instead, use "key components" or correct the phrase to "a key component of" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key components of" aims to identify something as an essential part of a larger entity. However, it's grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms this, suggesting using "a key component of" or "key components of" instead.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key components of" intends to highlight essential elements but suffers from a grammatical flaw: the mismatch between the singular article "a" and the plural noun "components". As Ludwig AI points out, the correct forms are ""a key component of"" (singular) or "key components of" (plural). Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase aims to emphasize importance, but its inaccuracy can undermine credibility. When writing, ensure subject-verb agreement and use the appropriate article to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key component of

Singular form instead of plural, grammatically correct.

an essential element of

Replaces 'key' with 'essential' and 'components' with 'element', maintaining the singular form.

a crucial aspect of

Substitutes 'key' with 'crucial' and 'components' with 'aspect', altering the emphasis slightly.

a vital part of

Replaces 'key' with 'vital' and 'components' with 'part', indicating necessity.

a critical factor in

Changes 'key' to 'critical' and 'components' to 'factor', focusing on importance in a specific outcome.

an integral piece of

Replaces 'key' with 'integral' and 'components' with 'piece', highlighting the interconnectedness.

a fundamental element of

Substitutes 'key' with 'fundamental' and 'components' with 'element', emphasizing basic importance.

a primary feature of

Changes 'key' to 'primary' and 'components' to 'feature', focusing on a prominent characteristic.

a significant portion of

Replaces 'key' with 'significant' and 'components' with 'portion', indicating a notable quantity or extent.

a central aspect of

Substitutes 'key' with 'central' and 'components' with 'aspect', emphasizing core importance.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "a key components of"?

No, the correct phrasing is "a "a key component of"" (singular) or "key components of" (plural, without the article "a"). The original phrase violates subject-verb agreement.

What does "a key component of" mean?

It refers to an essential or vital part of something. It highlights that the mentioned component is crucial for the overall functionality or understanding of a system, process, or concept.

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

You can use it to emphasize the importance of a particular element. For example, "Communication is "a key component of" a successful relationship".

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

Alternatives include "an essential element of", "a crucial aspect of", or "a vital part of". Each alternative emphasizes the importance of the component in a slightly different way, allowing for nuance in your writing.