a key term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an important or significant word or phrase that is essential to understanding a particular topic or subject matter. Example: "In this research paper, we will define a key term that is crucial for our analysis: 'sustainability.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

They believed that languages were the creature of what Johann Gottfried Herder called "reflection"—a key term for Taylor which meant that language was the product of society, or of the "communion" between individuals of which society is composed.

Huffington Post

(A key term is "proper": what we need is "proper" conservatism, not Cameron's lot).

The Guardian - Books

On the Basic Search page, I am given the ability to enter a key term in the search field.

Columbia University

Over the past couple of decades “literacy” has emerged as a key term in L2 teaching and learning.

University of California, Berkeley

And paediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott used Linus's blanket as an illustration of a "transitional object", a key term in his account of infantile substitutes for mother's breast.

The Guardian - Books

In September, Atlantic City violated a key term of New Jersey's $73m loan by failing to dissolve its municipal utility authority, and this month it sailed past the most recent state-imposed deadlines.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court told two federal agencies to do a better job of explaining why they have jurisdiction over watery areas so small they may not be "navigable --a key term inavigable --a

Science Magazine

All variations in terminology were recorded into a key terms list to enable the broadest possible search terms specifically relevant to the research question and aims of this review.

Sports Medicine - Open

The term Responsible Research and Innovation has recently gained currency, as it has been designated to be a key-term in the European research framework Horizon 2020.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

We assume that a longest repeated string is often a correct key term as its repetition provides sufficient evidence for the decision on its left and right boundaries.

Smart Learning Environments

In this paper, we present a new key term extraction system able to handle with the particularities of "support documents".

Expert Systems with Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a key term", always provide a clear and concise definition to ensure readers understand its specific meaning within the context.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "a key term" without adequately explaining its relevance or impact on the topic being discussed. Ensure each use adds value to the reader's understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key term" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce or identify a word or concept that is essential for understanding a particular topic or argument. It signals the importance of the term that follows, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key term" is a frequently used noun phrase that serves to highlight essential vocabulary within a specific context. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Its primary function is to draw attention to crucial concepts across various domains, notably science, news, and academia. When employing "a key term", ensure a clear definition is provided to maximize reader comprehension. Alternatives such as "a crucial concept" or "a vital element" may be used for stylistic variation. Remember, as Ludwig AI indicates, proper definition is key for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial concept

Replaces "term" with "concept", emphasizing the idea rather than just the word.

a vital element

Substitutes "term" with "element", highlighting the essential nature of the concept.

a fundamental principle

Replaces "term" with "principle", indicating a foundational idea.

a central notion

Changes "key term" to "central notion", focusing on the core idea.

an essential component

Replaces "term" with "component", emphasizing the role as a part of a larger system.

a significant concept

Uses "significant" instead of "key", slightly reducing the emphasis.

a primary identifier

Focuses on the identification aspect of the term.

a notable expression

Emphasizes the expressiveness and worthiness of being noted.

a basic descriptor

Highlights the descriptive function of the term.

an important designation

Stresses the act of assigning meaning or importance.

FAQs

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

Introduce the term and immediately follow it with a definition or explanation. For example, "'Sustainability' is "a key term" in environmental science, referring to the ability to maintain ecological balance over time."

What are some alternatives to saying "a key term"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a crucial concept", "a vital element", or "a fundamental principle".

Is it redundant to define "a key term" if it seems obvious?

Even if a term appears self-explanatory, providing a specific definition within your context can prevent misunderstandings and ensure clarity for your audience.

What makes a term "key"?

A term is considered "key" when it is essential for understanding a particular subject, argument, or theory. It often represents a fundamental concept or idea that is central to the discussion.