a key element of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key element of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance or significance of a particular component within a larger context or system. Example: "Collaboration is a key element of successful project management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A key element of Prop.

University of California, Berkeley

This is a key element of integrity.

Nature

She quickly made sustainability a key element of her platform.

The Guardian

These alliances were a key element of the Clinton plan.

The New Yorker

That's a key element of our marking technology.

The New York Times

His celebrity will be a key element of the film.

The Guardian - Film

It should be a key element of life-long learning.

The Guardian

Humour is a key element of your work.

The Guardian

"Baroque is a key element of the Versace history.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A key element of the new prosperity is tourism.

The Guardian - Books

It's a key element of U.S. energy security.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key element of" to clearly highlight the most important aspects or components within a larger context. It helps to prioritize information and guide the reader's focus effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "a key element of" excessively in casual or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "important part" or "main aspect" may be more appropriate for a less formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key element of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, highlighting a specific component's importance within a larger context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various source types.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key element of" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression to emphasize the significance of a particular component. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across diverse contexts. It is especially prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall formality of your writing and consider alternatives like "a crucial component of" or "a central aspect of" to avoid redundancy. Remember that, while versatile, the tone should align with the content in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial component of

Replaces "key element" with "crucial component", emphasizing essential nature with more technical nuance.

a central aspect of

Substitutes "key element" with "central aspect", highlighting the core or focal point.

a vital part of

Replaces "key element" with "vital part", stressing indispensability for success.

an integral feature of

Uses "integral feature" instead of "key element", emphasizing inseparability from the whole.

a fundamental aspect of

Replaces "key element" with "fundamental aspect", underlining basic and foundational nature.

a primary factor in

Switches from "element" to "factor", focusing on causal contribution to a result.

a cornerstone of

Emphasizes the idea of a foundational and indispensable element.

a critical ingredient for

Uses "critical ingredient" to highlight necessity, specifically focusing on inputs or requirements.

essential to

Condenses the phrase to a simpler, more direct expression of necessity.

indispensable for

Directly conveys the idea that something cannot be done without the specified element.

FAQs

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

Use "a key element of" to emphasize the importance of a particular component or aspect within a larger concept or system. For example, "Communication is "a key element of" successful teamwork".

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

You can use alternatives like "a crucial component of", "a central aspect of", or "an integral feature of" to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

Is there a difference between "a key element of" and "an important element of"?

While both phrases indicate significance, "a key element of" suggests that the element is not just important, but also fundamental and essential. "An important element of" might imply a broader range of significance without the same level of criticality.

How does the formality of "a key element of" compare to other similar phrases?

"A key element of" maintains a neutral to slightly formal tone, suitable for professional or academic writing. For more informal contexts, consider phrases like "a big part of" or "a main thing about".