a key member of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key member of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who plays an important or essential role within a group, organization, or team. Example: "She is a key member of the project team, contributing valuable insights and expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Akram remains, however, a key member of the side.

The Guardian - Sport

By 2005, she was a key member of the team.

The Guardian

Alison's successor will be a key member of that team".

The Guardian - Money

A key member of the Cochrane team gave evidence.

The Guardian

He is a key member of the team".

Independent

The wicketkeeper is a key member of the fielding side.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chandler is now a key member of the team's rotation.

The New York Times - Sports

Yunupingu was a key member of the band Yothu Yindi.

The Guardian - Music

Qiang was a key member of WestlawNext research team.

Cornell University

He soon became a key member of ClearChannel Outdoors senior management team, leading other ClearChannel businesses.

The New York Times

A key member of my household does not take the view that books furnish a room.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing someone's importance, consider using "a key member of" to highlight their essential role within a team or organization. This emphasizes their contribution and value.

Common error

Avoid using "a key member of" without clearly specifying the group or context to which the person belongs. Without this context, the phrase loses its impact and becomes generic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key member of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify an individual's significant role or position within a particular group, team, or organization. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key member of" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote an individual's important role within a group or organization. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. As a very common phrase, its application spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic entries. The phrase serves to highlight an individual’s significance and contributions, often implying that their participation is crucial for the success of the collective, and is best used when the specific group/context is evident. Related alternatives include "an integral part of" or "a vital component of", which can be used to subtly alter the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a core member of

Focuses on being part of the central nucleus of a team or organization.

an essential figure in

Replaces "key member" with "essential figure", focusing on importance.

an integral part of

Replaces "key member" with "integral part", focusing on essential integration.

a central figure within

Highlights the person's centrality and importance.

a vital component of

Substitutes "key member" with "vital component", emphasizing necessity.

a crucial element in

Changes "key member" to "crucial element", highlighting importance.

a significant contributor to

Shifts the focus to the person's contribution rather than their membership.

a valued participant in

Emphasizes the appreciation of the individual's involvement.

an important person in

Uses simpler language to convey importance within a group.

a leading light in

Implies a person who is influential and sets an example.

FAQs

How can I use "a key member of" in a sentence?

Use "a key member of" to indicate that someone holds a particularly important or influential position within a group. For example: "She is "a key member of" the research team."

What are some alternatives to saying "a key member of"?

Alternatives include "an integral part of", "a vital component of", or "an essential figure in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to be "a key member of" a team?

Being "a key member of" a team means that you play a significant and crucial role in the team's success. Your contributions and expertise are highly valued and necessary for the team to achieve its goals.

Is it too formal to use "a key member of" in casual conversation?

While "a key member of" isn't overly formal, it can sound slightly elevated for very casual conversations. In such contexts, simpler phrases like "an important part of" or "a big help to" may be more appropriate.