a key indicator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key indicator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant measure or sign that provides insight into a particular situation or trend. Example: "The unemployment rate is often considered a key indicator of the overall health of the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Early voting has long been a key indicator in Florida.

The Guardian

Blood pressure is a key indicator of cardiovascular health.

Harvard University

UBS's wealth management arm won Sfr19bn in net new money, a key indicator for future revenue.

The Guardian - Business

These devices help you keep tabs on a key indicator of your cardiovascular health.

Harvard University

Location is a key indicator of personal travel patterns and habits.

MIT Technology Review

But in Utah, at least, a key indicator is coming much sooner.

The New York Times

For the first time since the great recession, a key indicator of economic progress is dropping.

The Washington Post

Poor sleep can be a key indicator of depression, substance abuse or other mental disturbances.

The Washington Post

c-Abl tyrosine kinase activation is a key indicator of oxidative stress6,7.

Nature

Doing it well is a key indicator of how effective you are.

Harvard Business Review

A key indicator based on bond prices was flashing warnings of a possible recession.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key indicator", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the indicator is meant to signify. Providing specific details enhances clarity and strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a key indicator" as the only factor. Acknowledge other contributing elements to maintain credibility and demonstrate a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key indicator" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an appositive to identify a significant element or measure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key indicator" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to highlight a significant factor in a given context. As per Ludwig AI, it is suitable for identifying a measure or sign that provides insight into a particular situation or trend. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Academia. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the importance of a specific element, but avoid overstating its influence by acknowledging other contributing factors. Alternatives include "a crucial metric" and "a significant sign".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial metric

Replaces "indicator" with "metric", emphasizing quantitative measurement.

a significant sign

Substitutes "indicator" with "sign", focusing on the suggestive nature of the factor.

a critical factor

Replaces "indicator" with "factor", emphasizing influence.

a telling statistic

Replaces "indicator" with "statistic", highlighting the numerical aspect.

a primary gauge

Changes "key" to "primary" and "indicator" to "gauge", emphasizing the measurement aspect.

a reliable marker

Replaces "key" with "reliable" and "indicator" with "marker", stressing dependability.

an essential element

Shifts the focus to the compositional importance of the factor.

a main determinant

Replaces "indicator" with "determinant", highlighting causality.

a notable aspect

Emphasizes the factor's prominence rather than its indicative function.

a vital component

Replaces indicator with "component" to highlight that the element is part of a system.

FAQs

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

Use "a key indicator" to highlight a significant factor that reflects a trend or condition. For example: "Sales figures are a key indicator of the company's financial health."

What are some alternatives to "a key indicator"?

You can use alternatives such as "a crucial metric", "a significant sign", or "a critical factor" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a key indicator"?

It is appropriate to use "a key indicator" when you want to emphasize the importance of a specific factor in assessing a situation or predicting an outcome. It signals that this particular element is especially revealing or informative.

Is "a key indicator" the same as "the only indicator"?

No, "a key indicator" implies that it is one of the most important factors, but not necessarily the only one. Avoid implying it's the sole determinant, as other factors likely contribute as well.