a key input

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key input" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an essential element or factor that contributes to a process, decision, or outcome. Example: "In our analysis, we identified a key input that significantly influenced the final results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Natural gas prices, a key input for electricity generation, have also declined as the supplies rise nationally.

The New York Times

If you look at new developments, such as Tottenham Hotspur, you will find the ground staff will now have a key input into the development of the new planned stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a key input to well design.

Developments in Petroleum Science

The medical effectiveness of interventions is a key input parameter in decision-analytic models.

Health Economics Review

Like transportation, financial services are a key input to many economic activities.

Journal of Economic Structures

A key input parameter for our tool is of course realistic user traffic.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The data from these tests are traditionally used as a key input to thickening models.

Chemical Engineering Science

A key input for effective water resources management is knowledge of the availability of the resource.

Proceedings from the International Conference on Advances in Engineering and Technology

Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) is a key input parameter for modeling water flow in soils.

Geoderma

Self-reported data on health care use is a key input in a range of studies.

Journal of Health Economics

Traffic matrix (TM) is a key input of traffic engineering and network management.

Computers & Electrical Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key input", ensure the context clearly identifies what the input is influencing or contributing to. For example, "Market research is a key input to the product development process."

Common error

Avoid using "a key input" too generally. Always specify what it's a key input to. For instance, instead of saying "Data is a key input", specify "Data is a key input for predictive modeling."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key input" functions as a noun phrase identifying an essential component or element within a system, process, or decision-making framework. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in academic, scientific, and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key input" is a prevalent and grammatically sound expression used to denote an essential element or factor contributing to a process or outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely adopted across diverse fields, including science, news media, and formal business contexts. Alternative phrases such as "a vital component" or "a crucial factor" can be used to add variety, but the core meaning remains consistent. Remember to specify what the "key input" contributes to, avoiding vagueness for clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vital component

This alternative emphasizes the essential nature of the element for the proper functioning of the whole.

a crucial factor

This phrase highlights the decisive importance of the element in determining an outcome.

an essential element

This alternative directly states the indispensable nature of the element.

a critical variable

This phrase is more specific, suggesting the element is a measurable factor with significant influence.

a fundamental aspect

This alternative emphasizes the basic and foundational nature of the element.

a primary consideration

This highlights the element as a top priority when making decisions or plans.

a significant influence

This emphasizes the element's power to affect a situation or outcome.

a major contributor

This focuses on the element's role in actively helping to achieve a result.

an integral part

This indicates the element is necessary and inseparable from the whole.

a cornerstone of

This alternative suggests the element is a basic, essential foundation.

FAQs

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

Use "a key input" to describe something essential for a process or outcome. For example, "Employee feedback is "a key input" in improving company culture."

What are some alternatives to "a key input"?

You can use alternatives like "a vital component", "a crucial factor", or "an essential element depending on the context.

Is it better to use "key input" or "a key input"?

Using "a key input" is generally more grammatically correct because it treats "key input" as a singular noun phrase requiring an article. "Key input" without the article can sometimes be acceptable in very informal contexts, but "a key input" is preferred in formal writing.

What makes something "a key input"?

Something is considered "a key input" when it is fundamentally important and has a significant impact on the result or process being considered. Without it, the process would be significantly altered or impossible.