a key milestone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key milestone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important stage or event in a process or project that signifies progress or achievement. Example: "Reaching the halfway point of the project was a key milestone for our team, as it allowed us to assess our progress and make necessary adjustments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Last month's meeting represents a key milestone in the journey that started a decade ago – not just for Walmart, but also for the thousands of companies with which it does business.

The Guardian

The investor day on 19 June will be a key milestone.

The Guardian - Business

Richard Garnett, the task force's chair, described the Efsa ruling as "a key milestone" in the assessment process.

The Guardian

Australia's immigration minister, Scott Morrison, released a statement on Wednesday saying the determinations were a "key milestone" for both governments.

The Guardian

Michael A. Carpenter, Ally's chief executive, called the conversion a "key milestone" and a sign of the "significant progress" the company had made this year.

The New York Times

The return of real estate marks a key milestone in the country's economic recovery – and not only because it was at the root of the collapse.

The Guardian - Business

Saturday's vote is a key milestone in a nine-month transition toward democracy for the country after a bitter civil war that ended Gaddafi's four-decade-long rule.

The Guardian

It continues to be recognised as a key milestone in Hawkey's significant influence on the visual culture of Britain in the second half of the 20th century".

The Guardian - Books

"It is a key milestone in both the conservation of the iconic species and the wider movement to conserve endangered cetaceans worldwide".

The Guardian

A 2020 energy intensity target could also pave the way for the government to set a goal for China's overall emissions to peak, a key milestone.

The Guardian

OK, I should get out more, but stay with me: VAT is a key milestone on my road to e-citizenry.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key milestone" to highlight a specific accomplishment or stage within a larger project or process. Ensure the context clearly establishes the significance of the milestone to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a key milestone" for minor achievements or routine steps. Reserve it for truly significant points that represent substantial progress or a critical transition. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key milestone" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a particularly important point in time or stage within a process, project, or development. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for general use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key milestone" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a significant point of progress or achievement. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and broad applicability. Primarily found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, it serves to highlight important events or stages in a process. When using this phrase, ensure the described event genuinely represents a notable accomplishment. While alternatives exist to diversify your writing, "a key milestone" remains a reliable choice for emphasizing the importance of a specific point in time. Remember to use the phrase accurately; avoid overstating the importance of routine accomplishments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant achievement

Focuses on the accomplishment aspect rather than the point in time.

a major breakthrough

Emphasizes a sudden advancement or discovery.

a critical juncture

Highlights the importance of a decision point.

a pivotal moment

Stresses the turning point nature of the event.

a landmark event

Suggests a historical significance or lasting impact.

a crucial stage

Points out an essential phase in a process.

an important benchmark

Implies a standard or reference point for evaluation.

a turning point

Indicates a significant change of direction.

a watershed moment

Suggests a major event that changes the course of history.

a crucial step

Emphasizes one action towards achieving a goal.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a key milestone" in a sentence?

Use "a key milestone" to emphasize the importance of a specific achievement or stage in a project or process. For instance, "Reaching the funding goal was "a key milestone" for the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "a key milestone" that I can use?

Depending on the specific context, consider using phrases like "a significant achievement", "a major breakthrough", or "a pivotal moment" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "a key milestone" instead of "a minor achievement"?

"A key milestone" should be used for significant accomplishments that mark substantial progress or a critical turning point. "A minor achievement" is more suitable for smaller, less impactful accomplishments.

Is there a risk of overusing the phrase "a key milestone" in professional writing?

Yes, overusing "a key milestone" can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Use it judiciously and consider alternatives like "a crucial stage" or "an important benchmark" to maintain clarity and engagement.