a key event

USAGE SUMMARY

"a key event" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
For example: The signing of the peace treaty was a key event in negotiating an end to the war.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His music was a key event in my life.

The Guardian - Music

Following a liveblog will send you a notification when a key event happens in that story.

The Guardian

Are there regions that we need to focus on, or a key event we mustn't miss?

The Guardian

"It's an exploration of a key event in history, so it's very on-brand".

The New York Times

A key event, he suggested, was Micaela's birth.

The New York Times

In case you missed it, here's everything Apple announced today.

TechCrunch

Indeed, the biotransformation of chemicals into reactive metabolites is a key event for nephrotoxicity.

Chemistry Central Journal

General dysfunction of the endothelium is a key event in the pathogenesis of sepsis [11].

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

This week saw a key event in the US political calendar - the opening of Congress.

BBC

D. Paragraph 4 retells a key event that enabled Earhart to become a celebrity pilot.

Huffington Post

But for the Erased people, of course, it was a key event.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key event" to emphasize the importance and impact of a particular occurrence within a broader context. Ensure the surrounding text clearly explains why the event is considered key.

Common error

Avoid using "a key event" as a generic placeholder. Always provide specific details or explanations that justify why the event is considered 'key' to prevent the phrase from becoming vague and losing its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key event" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies and characterizes a particular event as significant or crucial within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and functional phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key event" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to highlight significant occurrences. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and suitable for various writing styles. It functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the importance and impact of a particular event. It appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the surrounding text provides adequate context to justify why the event is considered 'key'. Alternatives include "a pivotal moment" and "a turning point". While the phrase is versatile, avoid overuse without sufficient context to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pivotal moment

Emphasizes the turning point or critical nature of the event.

a turning point

Highlights the change in direction or course resulting from the event.

a crucial occurrence

Stresses the importance and decisiveness of the event.

a significant incident

Highlights the noteworthiness and impact of the event.

a major happening

Focuses on the scale and prominence of the event.

a landmark occasion

Suggests the event sets a precedent or marks a significant achievement.

a notable episode

Highlights the distinctiveness and memorability of the event.

a central development

Emphasizes the event's role as a core aspect of a larger process.

an important phenomenon

Shifts the focus to the event as an observable and significant occurrence.

a watershed event

Indicates a clear division or change following the event.

FAQs

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

Use "a key event" to highlight a significant occurrence. For example, "The discovery of penicillin was "a key event" in the history of medicine."

What are some alternatives to "a key event"?

You can use alternatives such as "a pivotal moment", "a turning point", or "a crucial occurrence" depending on the specific context.

Is "a key event" formal or informal?

"A key event" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the piece.

What makes an event qualify as "a key event"?

An event qualifies as "a key event" if it has a significant impact, influences future developments, or marks a turning point in a particular context or field.