a key ingredient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key ingredient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an essential component or element that is crucial for a particular outcome or result, often in the context of cooking or other processes. Example: "Trust is a key ingredient in building strong relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a key ingredient.

The New York Times

A key ingredient, though, is trust.

The Guardian

Grain is a key ingredient in beer.

The Guardian

Is that a key ingredient here?

The New York Times

A key ingredient is efficient peer discovery.

Pervasive and Mobile Computing

Gadolinium a key ingredient for low-power data storage.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They are a key ingredient of the microchip.

The Guardian

They are also a key ingredient in dan dan noodles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Time eventually helps, but winning is a key ingredient".

The New York Times - Sports

That's because of a key ingredient in coffee: caffeine.

The New York Times

With exoskeleton robots, an assistive strategy is a key ingredient.

Pattern Recognition Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a key ingredient", ensure the context clearly defines what the ingredient contributes to or is essential for. This will provide clarity and strengthen your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "a key ingredient" as a generic filler phrase. Ensure that the 'ingredient' genuinely plays a crucial role and isn't just a minor detail. Providing specifics adds impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key ingredient" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object complement. It identifies an essential element or component in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts, denoting importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

27%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key ingredient" is a noun phrase that serves to highlight the indispensable nature of an element or component. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various fields, including news, academia, and science. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what that "ingredient" is crucial for to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "an essential component" or "a crucial element" to add nuance. By being precise and purposeful, you can effectively communicate the importance of the identified element.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential component

Replaces 'ingredient' with 'component', focusing on the part something plays in a larger system.

a crucial element

Substitutes 'ingredient' with 'element', highlighting the fundamental nature of the item.

a vital aspect

Replaces 'ingredient' with 'aspect', emphasizing its role as a part of a bigger picture or consideration.

a critical factor

Replaces 'ingredient' with 'factor', putting emphasis on causality and contribution to an outcome.

an important part

Uses the more general term 'part' instead of 'ingredient', implying that the component is significant but not necessarily transformative.

a major influence

Shifts the focus to the item's ability to affect or change something.

a significant contributor

This phrase underlines its contribution to something.

a cornerstone

This alternative suggests being a foundational element.

a building block

Focuses on the component's nature of constructing a whole.

the linchpin

This alternative suggests that the element is essential for holding everything together.

FAQs

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

Use "a key ingredient" to highlight something indispensable for achieving a specific outcome. For example, "Communication is "a key ingredient" for a successful relationship."

What are some alternatives to "a key ingredient"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an essential component", "a crucial element", or "a critical factor".

Is it correct to say "the key ingredient" instead of "a key ingredient"?

Both are correct, but they imply different things. "A key ingredient" suggests one of several important ingredients, while "the key ingredient" implies that it's the single most important one.

What is the difference between "a key ingredient" and "an important ingredient"?

"A key ingredient" suggests something is indispensable or vital, while "an important ingredient" simply indicates that something is significant or noteworthy.