a key incentive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key incentive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant motivating factor or reason for someone to take a particular action or make a decision. Example: "The company introduced a key incentive to encourage employees to meet their sales targets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The civil justice system provides a key incentive for corporations to prioritize safety from the start.

The New York Times

A key incentive for learners is our go-kart track, which we use to generate additional revenue.

The Guardian

Thousands of houses are to be built there, with the prospect of a rail link to Edinburgh being seen as a key incentive for couples to set up home in the area.

The Guardian

Beyond the motivation to reduce the environmental impact of energy production, the economic rationale is a key incentive for local communities to become involved in renewable energy (RE).

Energy, Sustainability and Society

We may consider that the issue of the protection of small firms' knowledge assets is a key incentive (but currently still a limit) for their participation to innovation networks.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In 2011, a research report on the Australian early childhood workforce (Productivity Commission, xxx) emphasised the importance of 'pay and conditions, both absolute and relative to other occupations' as a key incentive for workers 'to gain the appropriate qualifications, to enter the workforce, to upgrade their qualifications where necessary, and to remain in the workforce'.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In a private primary care system, the financial viability of their primary care practice is a key motivator, so financial incentives may be warranted.

BMC Health Services Research

City officials offer a number of theories for the rise in claims and costs: an aging workforce; delays in approval of medical treatment; and the cuts in police overtime, which eliminated a key financial incentive for injured officers to return to work quickly.

Los Angeles Times

The not-quite-there Pies have produced dismal results for a few months now but carry into this game the key incentive of making Richmond's September path harder.

The Guardian - Sport

For Mrs. Cassidy, the competition was the key incentive, she said, because she grew up in a family of eight that included six brothers, "and I never wanted to be the weakest or shortest," she said.

The New York Times

On the face of things, supply-side economists -- a fairly small group who argue that lower tax rates are the key incentive to promoting economic growth -- appear to have returned to their influential role of the early 1980's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key incentive", ensure the incentive is genuinely significant and directly linked to the desired outcome. Avoid overstating its importance if other factors play a substantial role.

Common error

Don't present a minor perk or benefit as "a key incentive" if it doesn't genuinely drive behavior or decision-making. Accurately reflect the true impact of the incentive to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key incentive" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples demonstrate its role in identifying a significant motivating factor. For example, 'Thousands of houses are to be built there, with the prospect of a rail link to Edinburgh being seen as a key incentive for couples to set up home in the area.'

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

53%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key incentive" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a significant motivating factor behind an action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability across various contexts, notably in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the incentive is genuinely important and directly related to the desired outcome. Alternatives like "a major inducement" or "a significant motivator" can be used for variety. Remember to accurately reflect the incentive's true impact to maintain credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major inducement

Substitutes 'key' with 'major' and 'incentive' with 'inducement', altering the emphasis slightly but retaining the core meaning.

a significant motivator

Replaces 'incentive' with 'motivator', shifting the focus from a reward to an internal driving force.

a primary stimulus

Uses 'stimulus' instead of 'incentive', suggesting something that provokes action or effort.

a central impetus

Employs 'impetus' to convey a force that initiates or drives a process or action.

a crucial catalyst

Utilizes 'catalyst' emphasizing something that accelerates a reaction or change.

a vital encouragement

Replaces 'incentive' with 'encouragement', highlighting the supportive aspect of motivation.

an essential stimulus

Uses 'essential' instead of 'key', highlighting the importance of the stimulus.

a leading influence

Replaces 'incentive' with 'influence', emphasizing the power to affect someone's actions.

a prime mover

Uses 'prime mover' to describe something that initiates or causes action, often in a more abstract sense.

a mainspring

This option uses 'mainspring', referring to the chief motive or cause of something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a key incentive" in a sentence?

Use "a key incentive" to highlight a significant motivating factor. For example: "The bonus served as "a key incentive" for the sales team to exceed their targets."

What are some alternatives to saying "a key incentive"?

You can use alternatives such as "a major inducement", "a significant motivator", or "a primary stimulus" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a key incentive" in formal writing?

Yes, "a key incentive" is suitable for formal writing. It is clear, concise, and professional. Consider using synonyms like "a central impetus" for added nuance.

What distinguishes "a key incentive" from other types of incentives?

"A key incentive" implies that it is one of the most important motivating factors among several. It signals that this particular incentive has a substantial influence on decisions or actions.