a key contract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key contract" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or essential agreement in a business or legal context. Example: "The company secured a key contract with a major supplier, which will significantly boost its production capabilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

ATA blamed "the loss of a key contract for our military charter business" and the rising price of oil.

The Economist

Medway Crossroads had been struggling prior to the announcement after losing a lost a key contract in July 2014.

The Guardian

Its organic business, which is looking to expand in Canada after renewing a key contract there, its hazardous waste division and its UK municipal operations all performed well.

The Guardian - Business

The Dallas-based computer-services company, founded by the former presidential candidate, H. Ross Perot, attributed the downturn to the loss of a key contract and lower revenue from a major client.

The New York Times

Elsewhere outsourcing group Capita fell 12.5p to 763p after losing out on a key contract when the Criminal Records Bureau is replaced in a few months with a new service.

The Guardian - Business

Two days after issuing a profits warning on the back of ongoing delays with a key contract with Saudi Arabia, BAE said it had struck a deal to supply 12 Typhoon and eight Hawk training aircraft, with first delivery expected to be made in 2017.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

John Deasy, had a close working relationship with Apple and Pearson executives before these companies won the key contract for a $1-billion effort to provide computers to every student in the nation's second-largest school system, records released by the L.A. school district show.

Los Angeles Times

Mr. Lewenza emphasized that the union would not budge on its traditional approach of requiring all three Detroit-based companies to accept the same key contract terms, a system known as pattern bargaining.

The New York Times

Lower down the market software group ITIS Holdings fell 7.5p to 62p after it lost a key Department of Transport contract.

The Guardian - Business

He spent heavily for Gov. Rick Scott (R) until the two had a falling out over a key gambling contract in the state, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The Washington Post

The news is a boost for an east Midlands site that only five years ago was struggling for survival after losing out to a German rival for a key UK contract.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of "a key contract", be specific about how it affects the company or project involved. For example, mention increased revenue, market share, or strategic advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "a key contract" to describe routine or minor agreements. Reserve this phrase for contracts that genuinely have a substantial impact on the organization's objectives and success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key contract" functions as a noun phrase, where "key" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "contract". It identifies a specific type of agreement that is of significant importance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, offering examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key contract" is a valid and useful term for describing an essential agreement. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights the significance of a particular contract, particularly in business and legal contexts. While grammatically correct and commonly used, it is important to reserve this phrase for agreements that truly have a substantial impact. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, and formal business settings, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using "a key contract", be specific about its impact and avoid overstating its significance. Alternatives include "a crucial agreement" or "an essential contract", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial agreement

Emphasizes the critical importance of the agreement.

an essential contract

Highlights the necessity and indispensability of the contract.

a pivotal deal

Focuses on the turning-point nature of the agreement.

a significant agreement

Highlights the noteworthiness of the agreement.

a major contract

Emphasizes the large scale or impact of the contract.

a vital agreement

Underscores the lifeblood nature of the contract to an entity.

a strategic alliance

Highlights the strategic nature and long-term implications of the agreement, implies collaboration.

a cornerstone agreement

Indicates the fundamental importance of the agreement for future stability and growth.

a game-changing deal

Focuses on the transformative impact the deal will have.

a landmark contract

Suggests the contract sets a precedent or is historically significant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key contract" to describe an essential agreement. For example: "The company secured a key contract with a major supplier." Alternatively, you could say it's "a crucial agreement" or "an essential contract".

What's the difference between "a key contract" and "a major contract"?

While both phrases denote importance, "a key contract" emphasizes the essential nature of the agreement, while "a major contract" typically highlights the size or scope of the agreement. You might also consider using "a significant agreement" to emphasize its importance.

What are some synonyms for "a key contract"?

Synonyms for "a key contract" include "a crucial agreement", "an essential contract", or "a pivotal deal". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the contract you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a key contract"?

It's appropriate to use "a key contract" when referring to an agreement that is vital for the success, stability, or strategic direction of a business or project. This phrase is fitting when the contract's outcome significantly influences the organization's prospects.