a key concept of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key concept of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an important idea or principle related to a particular subject or topic. Example: "Understanding the theory of relativity is a key concept of modern physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Lashkar Gah is at the centre of a security bubble or "protected development area" – a key concept of the "ink spot" approach of counter-insurgency theory and practice, recently retooled by General Stanley McChrystal.

The Guardian - Opinion

The term is a key concept of the fast-rising community planning movement known as Smart Growth and refers to a public forum bringing together developer and civic advocate, politician and Main Street merchant, good-government blueblood and church-sisterhood stalwart.

The New York Times

When Gwen first discovers Archy's infidelity: " 'It's the indignity of it,' she heard herself telling him, invoking a key concept of her mother's code of morality with such stone likeness that it chilled her, spiders walked on the back of her neck, you might as well swing the camera around and show Rod Serling standing there behind a potted banana tree in an eerie cloud of cigarette smoke".

The New York Times - Books

"Preferences" are a key concept of rational choice theory, the main theory in contemporary mainstream economics.

SEP

A key concept of mathematical finance is the notion of a self-financing trading strategy.

Probability, Uncertainty and Quantitative Risk

(i) A key concept of flexibility is tailoring the interaction method to an individual's specific requirements.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Over the past two decades, epigenetics has evolved into a key concept for understanding regulation of gene expression.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

In plants, introgression is a key concept in studies of the risks of contamination of natural populations by genetically modified (GM) crops.

BMC Plant Biology

A GC concept is a central key concept of a hot topic because not only is it highly connected to other concepts (i.e., popular) but it also serves as a bridge between different parts of the network (i.e., connective).

Computational Social Networks

The last column of the table underlines a key concept: the introduction of a constraint by a policy.

European Transport Research Review

It's a key concept in all of this causal analysis.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key concept of", ensure that the concept you are referring to is indeed fundamental and crucial to the topic being discussed. This strengthens your argument and provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a key concept of" for minor or peripheral ideas. Overusing it can dilute the significance of truly important concepts and weaken your overall message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key concept of" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It highlights the fundamental or essential nature of a concept within a specific domain or field. As Ludwig suggests, it introduces ideas central to understanding a topic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

21%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key concept of" is a useful phrase for emphasizing the fundamental importance of an idea or principle within a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in scientific and news-related contexts. Related phrases like "a fundamental aspect of" or "a core principle of" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas. Remember to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring that the concept truly warrants the emphasis it provides. By following this advice, you can use "a key concept of" effectively to enhance clarity and strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential element of

Stresses that the concept is necessary and indispensable.

a crucial component of

Highlights that the concept is a vital part of a larger system.

a fundamental aspect of

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the concept.

a cornerstone of

Indicates that the concept is a basic and indispensable foundation.

a core principle of

Highlights that the concept is a guiding rule or belief.

a primary focus of

Highlights that the concept is one of the main points of attention.

a significant feature of

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and impact of the concept.

a central tenet of

Focuses on the concept being a key doctrine or belief system.

a vital ingredient of

Suggests the concept is a necessary part to achieve a desired result.

a major theme in

Emphasizes that the concept is a recurring and important idea.

FAQs

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

Use "a key concept of" to introduce a fundamental idea or principle related to a specific subject. For example, "Understanding supply and demand is "a key concept of" economics."

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

You can use phrases like "a fundamental aspect of", "a core principle of", or "an essential element of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a key concept of"?

It's appropriate to use "a key concept of" when you want to emphasize the importance and fundamentality of a particular idea or principle within a specific field or topic.

What's the difference between "a key concept of" and "an important concept of"?

"A key concept of" emphasizes the essential and foundational nature of the concept, whereas "an important concept of" simply highlights its significance. The former suggests the concept is indispensable, while the latter implies it's valuable but not necessarily critical.