a key fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key fact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing an important piece of information that is crucial to understanding a topic or argument. Example: "In discussing climate change, a key fact to consider is the rapid increase in global temperatures over the past century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The piece omits a key fact, however.

The New York Times

This is a key fact that international fearmongers (and there were many) failed to grasp.

The Guardian

But you omitted a key fact: the correction was not to the cartoon but to its caption.

The Economist

But those stories are missing a key fact: In response to the outrage over the closings, then-Gov.

The Washington Post

And yet, we can't escape a key fact: The same chef was involved in all these creations.

The Guardian - Tech

What happens when police or lawyers want to use it to pry a key fact from the mind of an unwilling person?

Harvard University

Thermal comfort in greenhouses is a key fact to enhance productivity, due to the excess demand of energy for heating, ventilation and agroclimatic conditioning.

Computers and Electronics in Agriculture

We found that the oxidative degradation of vitamin A in sample preparation processes is a key fact that hampers reliability of measurement results.

Food Chemistry

Your June 7 editorial about federal college financial aid ("Crushing Upward Mobility") seems to be missing a key fact: the soaring price of college tuition.

The New York Times

A key fact of white-collar crime is that we hear about only the very slim fraction of people who are caught.

The New York Times - Magazine

He hasn't a clue about money" – Karren Brady reveals a key fact to Burton Albion fans about her husband and their manager.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key fact", ensure it is followed by clear and concise details to support its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a key fact" for information that is already widely known or self-evident. Reserve it for details that significantly impact understanding or decision-making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key fact" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive to emphasize the importance or relevance of the information that follows. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key fact" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the importance of specific information. It functions as a noun phrase, typically serving to highlight essential details across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used in authoritative sources. When writing, make sure the fact you are introducing is truly key and supports your overall argument. Related alternatives include "an essential detail" or "a crucial point".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential detail

Focuses on the necessity of the information.

a crucial point

Highlights the significance of the information.

a significant element

Emphasizes the importance of a component.

a vital piece of information

Stresses the necessity of the knowledge.

a noteworthy aspect

Draws attention to a remarkable part.

a primary consideration

Highlights the importance of the point to consider.

an important factor

Highlights the influence that a factor can have.

a central aspect

Focuses on the centrality of an aspect.

a critical reality

Emphasizes a fundamental truth or situation.

a major consideration

Emphasizes an element to carefully consider.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key fact" to introduce a crucial piece of information. For example, "A key fact to remember is that correlation does not equal causation."

What can I say instead of "a key fact"?

You can use alternatives like "an essential detail", "a crucial point", or "a significant element" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a key fact"?

While grammatically correct, using "a key fact" might be redundant if the information is already well-known or obvious. Reserve it for introducing truly important and potentially overlooked details.

What's the difference between "a key fact" and "an interesting fact"?

"A key fact" implies that the information is essential for understanding something, while "an interesting fact" simply suggests that the information is noteworthy or curious but not necessarily vital.