a key step

USAGE SUMMARY

"a key step" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is important to reach a desired result. For example, "Investing in employee training is a key step in increasing productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Prevention is a key step," she said.

The New York Times

It's a key step toward making Chinese sports international.

The New Yorker

Human pose estimation is a key step to action recognition.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mutations are a key step in cancer development.

Columbia University

Checking for defects is a key step in manufacturing.

MIT Technology Review

A key step, participants said, is access to family planning.

The New York Times

Palestinian national unity is a key step in this regard.

The New York Times

Lithology identification is a key step in reservoir characterization.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Optimal experimental design is here a key step.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

Alignment is a key step of the point cloud processing.

Measurement

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Degassing is a key-step in polymer processing.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key step", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of why that step is important to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "a key step" for every action in a process; reserve it for truly pivotal moments to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key step" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies and characterizes a particular action or stage as being critically important within a larger process. Ludwig examples confirm its use in diverse contexts, all emphasizing importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key step" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for emphasizing the importance of a particular action or stage in achieving a goal. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. To maximize its impact, be sure to clearly explain why the identified step is crucial. While highly prevalent in science, news, and academic sources, avoid overusing it to maintain its significance. Consider related phrases like "an essential stage" or "a crucial action" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential stage

Replaces 'key' with 'essential', emphasizing necessity.

a critical phase

Substitutes 'step' with 'phase', highlighting a period within a larger process.

an important element

Shifts focus from process to the significance of a component.

a crucial action

Replaces 'step' with 'action', stressing the act of doing.

a vital component

Emphasizes the importance of something as part of a larger whole.

a significant move

Indicates an action with notable implications.

a fundamental aspect

Highlights the basic, underlying nature of something.

a cornerstone of

Implies that something is a basic, essential foundation.

an integral part

Focuses on the inclusion and necessity of something.

a building block

Uses a metaphor to describe an essential element that contributes to a larger structure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key step" to highlight the importance of an action or decision in achieving a specific goal. For example, "Proper planning is "a key step" in ensuring the success of the project."

What are some alternatives to "a key step"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "an essential stage", "a crucial action", or "a vital component" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "a key step" or "an important step"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a key step" emphasizes that the step is crucial and fundamental, whereas "an important step" simply suggests it holds significance. The best choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone says something is "a key step"?

When someone says something is "a key step", it means that it's a particularly important action or stage that's necessary to achieve a desired outcome. It signifies that without this step, success may be compromised or impossible.