a key language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a language that is essential or important in a particular context, such as in business, technology, or communication. Example: "In the world of international business, English is often considered a key language for negotiations and partnerships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Ralby argues "a key language myth is that it's harder as an adult".

The Guardian

From the beginning an international release of the film was intended; as English is considered a key language in international film festivals, English subtitles were prepared.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The deal means that no evidence about what the league has known about head injuries, and for how long it has known it, will come up in the discovery process before a trial: key language in the agreement holds that it "cannot be considered an admission by the NFL of liability, or an admission that plaintiffs' injuries were caused by football".

The New Yorker

It happened in a specific region: the superior temporal gyrus, an area that contains key language structures in humans.

Science Magazine

The next morning, the judge gave the jury a new instruction, including key language sought by the defense.

The New York Times

But there is little to suggest that Indian companies are going to lose out in the short to medium term to companies who have little reputation, or who are providing services from a country that lacks the key language, legal and technical infrastructure currently enjoyed in India.

Forbes

He cites, as a key example, language, where the elements of meaning are often cotemporal sets, but different languages have different ordering rules by which the same meaning must be expressed in a sequence: different "schemas of order".

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

¿Donde vivo? is a series of nine activities to revise key language for describing the home.

The Guardian

But this legislation is missing a key element: language addressing climate change and human rights.

Huffington Post

In Figure 1, we highlight key language defining the statutory requirement, with a focus on PM.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Including key language in the Cromnibus Bill was an accomplishment 11 years in the making, building on an amendment first introduced by Reps.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the role of a language in a specific field, follow "a key language" with a clarifying phrase. For instance, "English is a key language for international business", specifying the relevant context.

Common error

Avoid using "a key language" without providing specific context or justification. Saying "Language X is a key language" without further explanation weakens the statement and offers little value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key language" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase describing a noun. It identifies a language as being particularly important or essential within a given context. This aligns with Ludwig's AI, which confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key language" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for describing a language that is essential or important in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While relatively common, it benefits from specific contextual details for maximum impact. Alternatives like "an essential language" or "a crucial language" offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. When using "a key language", remember to provide clarifying information to strengthen the statement and avoid vagueness. Its frequency is uncommon, with primary usage contexts being News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential language

Replaces "key" with "essential", emphasizing the necessity of the language.

a crucial language

Substitutes "key" with "crucial", highlighting the critical importance of the language.

a vital language

Uses "vital" instead of "key", underscoring the indispensable nature of the language.

a significant language

Replaces "key" with "significant", focusing on the importance and impact of the language.

a principal language

Substitutes "key" with "principal", suggesting the language is among the most important.

a dominant language

Uses "dominant" instead of "key", emphasizing the prevalence and influence of the language.

a fundamental language

Replaces "key" with "fundamental", highlighting the foundational aspect of the language.

an important language

Uses "important" instead of "key", indicating the language holds considerable value.

a primary language

Replaces "key" with "primary", indicating it is one of the main languages.

a leading language

Using "leading" instead of "key" focusing the importance of the language.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key language" to describe a language that is essential or important in a particular context. For example, "English is "a key language" in international business".

What are some alternatives to "a key language"?

Alternatives include "an essential language", "a crucial language", or "an important language", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "key language" or "important language"?

Both "key language" and "important language" are acceptable. "Key language" often implies a language that unlocks opportunities or access within a specific domain, while "important language" is a more general term.

What makes a language "a key language" in a particular field?

A language becomes ""a key language"" due to its widespread use, the availability of resources, and its influence in that field. For example, a programming language might be key for software development, or a specific language can be key for trade relations.