a key test for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key test for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an important evaluation or assessment related to a specific subject or situation. Example: "The results of the experiment will serve as a key test for the new hypothesis we are proposing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"A key test for the green paper is whether it enhances or diminishes that status.

Independent

The vote is also a key test for Nicolas Sarkozy, the former president who heads the traditional rightwing UMP.

The Guardian

Cameron also saw the issue as a "key test" for the Tories, but in a very different way.

The Guardian

The byelection is a key test for Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband, whose party's candidates were just 103 votes apart in the general election.

The Guardian

The first televised debate was seen as a key test for Trudeau, the son of the man whose legacy Harper is trying to erase.

The Guardian

This coming Sunday, regional elections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern offer a key test for Merkel's CDU party, which has trailed in local polls behind the AfD.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The elections are a key test of support for reform and for President Hassan Rouhani.

The Guardian

A key test of demand for yet another technology company will come early next week, when AltaVista plans to sell 14.8 million shares at $18 to $20 a share.

The New York Times

The stage is being set for a key test of investors' appetite to fight over executive pay: Cairn Energy.

The Guardian - Business

The budget is seen as a key test of Mr Modi's appetite for reform.

BBC

Load simulator is a key test equipment for aircraft actuation systems in hardware-in-the-loop-simulation.

Chinese Journal of Aeronautics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key test for", ensure that the subject being tested is clearly defined and that the criteria for evaluation are transparent. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a key test for" when the evaluation is only marginally important. Reserve the phrase for situations where the outcome genuinely hinges on the results of the test.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key test for" functions as a prepositional phrase that identifies an event, situation, or metric as a crucial evaluation point. It highlights the significance of something as a determining factor. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key test for" is a common and correct way to describe something that serves as a critical evaluation or assessment. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its significance lies in emphasizing the importance of a specific factor in determining an outcome or understanding a situation. While versatile, reserve this phrase for situations where the test genuinely has a significant impact. Consider alternatives like "a crucial evaluation of" or "an important assessment regarding" to add nuance. Remember to clearly define the subject being tested and the criteria for evaluation to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial evaluation of

Focuses on the evaluation aspect, emphasizing the decisiveness of the test.

an important assessment regarding

Highlights the significance of the assessment in relation to the subject.

a critical measure of

Emphasizes the measuring aspect, highlighting the importance of the measured result.

a significant benchmark for

Highlights the role of the test as a standard for comparison.

a deciding factor in

Shifts the focus to the influence the test has on a final decision.

a pivotal moment for

Focuses on the time-sensitive aspect, suggesting the test is happening at a turning point.

an essential indicator of

Emphasizes that the test provides essential information about something.

a primary determinant of

Highlights the test's role in determining the outcome or state of something.

a telling sign regarding

Focuses on the test being a revealing indication.

a major influence on

Highlights the test’s considerable impact.

FAQs

How can I use "a key test for" in a sentence?

You can use "a key test for" to describe something that serves as a critical evaluation point. For example, "The upcoming election is "a key test for" the president's popularity".

What can I say instead of "a key test for"?

Alternatives include "a crucial evaluation of", "an important assessment regarding", or "a critical measure of", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "a key test for" or "the key test for"?

The choice between "a key test for" and "the key test for" depends on the context. "A key test for" implies that there are multiple important tests, while "the key test for" suggests that this is the single most important test.

What makes something "a key test for" a particular situation?

Something is considered "a key test for" a situation when its outcome significantly impacts future decisions, strategies, or understanding of that situation. It provides essential information for assessing progress or viability.