a key connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key connection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an important relationship or link between two or more elements, ideas, or people. Example: "Establishing a key connection between the two departments can enhance collaboration and efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

A key connection between buybacks and executive pay is EPS.

Columbia University

I remember Christopher's thrill at having adduced a key connection between Wilde and Wodehouse.

The New Yorker

Rwanda, Burundi and even Tanzania rely upon Nairobi as a key connection to the world.

Independent

I believe this bridge forms a key connection necessary to help both people and the planet.

Columbia University

A key connection in realizing his vision came through the woman who became his wife, June Harris.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Mohammed also visited Germany and is said to be a key connection between Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and the Hamburg cell.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Be especially careful when removing the foot joint, because it has a very complicated and delicate key connection that is easy to bend and is expensive to replace.

WikiHow

Nonetheless, Ara and Brustenga developed an elegant construction which provides the key connection.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

For Tabibian, the key connection was to Mohammad Taghi Banki — a graduate of North Carolina State University and the head of the P.B.O.

The New Yorker

"Newhouse came to understand that news was a key to connection to the culture".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The plan, devised by a quinine-smuggling Union scout and an astronomer turned general, was to steal a locomotive and drive it to Chattanooga, capturing a key railroad connection whose loss would cut the Confederacy in half.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key connection", ensure the context clearly establishes what two or more elements are being connected and why that connection is crucial. For example, "Effective communication is a key connection between team members and project success".

Common error

Avoid using "a key connection" when describing something merely helpful or beneficial, not fundamentally essential. A "key connection" implies the absence of which would severely hinder or prevent a desired outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key connection" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a relationship or link as being of primary importance. As Ludwig AI highlights, it denotes something vital for a specific outcome or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key connection" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a vital link or relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to emphasize the importance of a specific element for achieving a goal or understanding a concept. It appears most frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting its suitability for formal and informative communication. While alternatives like "a crucial link" or "an essential relationship" exist, "a key connection" offers a direct and clear way to highlight something indispensable. When using this phrase, ensure you clarify the specifics of the connection and its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial link

Replaces "connection" with "link" and "key" with "crucial", emphasizing importance.

an essential relationship

Substitutes "connection" with "relationship" and "key" with "essential", highlighting the relational aspect.

a vital link

Changes "key" to "vital", stressing the necessity of the connection.

a significant association

Replaces "connection" with "association" and "key" with "significant", focusing on the importance of the link.

a central nexus

Uses "nexus" instead of "connection" and "central" instead of "key", implying a focal point.

a pivotal element

Shifts the focus to an "element" that is "pivotal", changing the noun but maintaining the sense of importance.

a primary interface

Replaces "connection" with "interface", suggesting a point of interaction, and "key" with "primary".

a critical juncture

Substitutes with "juncture", indicating a crucial point of joining or linking.

a major determinant

Changes the phrase to indicate something that significantly influences an outcome.

an important bond

Emphasizes a relational link using "bond" instead of "connection" and "important" instead of "key".

FAQs

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

Use "a key connection" to highlight a vital link or relationship between two or more things. For instance, "Trust is "a key connection" in any successful partnership".

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

You can use phrases like "a crucial link", "an essential relationship", or "a vital link" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "a key and important connection"?

Yes, saying "a key and important connection" can be redundant because "key" already implies importance. It's better to choose either "key" or "important" to avoid unnecessary repetition.

In what contexts is "a key connection" most appropriate?

"A key connection" is suitable in contexts where you need to emphasize a critical relationship or link that is essential for success, understanding, or functionality, such as in business strategies, scientific research, or interpersonal relationships.