a key stage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key stage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or critical phase in a process or development. Example: "The project reached a key stage when the team finalized the design specifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The spat over Benghazi came at a key stage in the presidential showdown.

The Guardian

Pyrolysis is a key stage in other thermochemical conversion processes, such as combustion and gasification.

Progress in Energy and Combustion Science

Prediction of the internal daylight levels is a key stage in daylighting designs.

Building and Environment

A key stage in post-combustion capture is selective CO2 separation from the flue gas stream.

International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control

Phase-II trials are a key stage in the clinical development of a new treatment.

European Journal of Cancer

"Where the Wild Things Are," which was published in 1963, marked a key stage in Sendak's development.

The New Yorker

He added: "Fortunately this is a Key Stage 1 test which is provided to schools to support teacher assessment judgments".

The Guardian

This shortfall begins in primary school, according to Laura Kirsop, a key stage 2 teacher at Soho Parish Primary school.

The Guardian - Opinion

A key stage in the design of a wind farm's grounding system is to determine the maximum ground fault current.

Renewable Energy

"Professor Mitra's generous gift gives us the opportunity to recognize our most promising graduate students at a key stage in their student career.

Cornell University

Now scientists from MIT and their colleagues have estimated the lifetime of the solar nebula — a key stage during which much of the solar system evolution took shape.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key stage", ensure the context clearly defines the process or development to which it belongs. This helps the audience understand its significance within the larger picture.

Common error

Avoid using "a key stage" when the phase is only marginally important. Reserve this phrase for truly pivotal moments that have a substantial impact on the overall outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key stage" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies a specific phase or period that is of high importance within a larger process or development, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

39%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key stage" is a versatile noun phrase used to highlight significant phases within a process or development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable, particularly in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When writing, ensure the identified stage truly warrants such emphasis. Alternative phrases such as "a pivotal phase" or "a crucial juncture" can provide nuanced shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pivotal phase

Emphasizes the turning point aspect, suggesting that the phase is critical for determining future outcomes.

a crucial juncture

Highlights the decisiveness and importance of the moment, suggesting a critical decision needs to be made.

an essential step

Focuses on the necessity of the step for completing a process or achieving a goal.

a critical period

Emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of the stage, indicating a limited window of opportunity.

a vital phase

Highlights the importance of the phase for the overall health and success of the process.

a significant milestone

Emphasizes the achievement aspect of the stage, marking progress towards a larger goal.

a central component

Highlights the role of the stage as a main building block.

a fundamental part

Focuses on the foundational nature of the stage for subsequent developments.

an integral element

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of the stage with other parts of a system.

an important segment

Highlights the segment as one of the most important, relevant parts.

FAQs

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

Use "a key stage" to highlight an important phase in a process. For example: "Phase-II trials are "a key stage" in the clinical development of a new treatment."

What phrases are similar to "a key stage"?

Alternatives include "a pivotal phase", "a crucial juncture", or "an essential step", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of importance.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a key stage"?

While grammatically correct, using "a key stage" might be inappropriate if the stage you're describing isn't genuinely significant. Ensure the context warrants the emphasis.

What distinguishes "a key stage" from "an important step"?

"A key stage" often implies a more extended period or phase with multiple components, while "an important step" suggests a more discrete, singular action.