a key thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize an important point or element in a discussion or argument. Example: "When considering the success of the project, a key thing to remember is the importance of teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Money

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a key thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Patience is a key thing.

The Guardian - Sport

HO: This is a key thing.

Stanford University

So that's been quite a key thing.

The Guardian

A key thing for us is to back our options.

Independent

"The development of a quarterback is really a key thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"Robinho's experience will be a key thing," Pele said.

The Guardian - Sport

"We felt like that was a key thing," Fassel said.

The New York Times - Sports

Rather, a key thing is to enable transplants from other corporate cultures to fit in.

The New Yorker

That's really a key thing because you want people to really think like that.

The New York Times

"A key thing here is that it is an experiment, with valid criticisms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key thing" to highlight an essential element or aspect when discussing a topic. It is particularly useful when summarizing main points or providing critical insights.

Common error

Avoid using "a key thing" when a simpler word like "important" or "essential" would suffice. This phrase can sound unnecessarily verbose in straightforward situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key thing" functions as a noun phrase that highlights a significant element, aspect, or consideration within a given context. It emphasizes the importance of the item being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

12%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Money

5%

Tech

5%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key thing" is a phrase used to emphasize the importance of a particular aspect or element. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in academic and sporting discussions. While versatile, avoid overuse and consider simpler alternatives like "important" or "essential" when appropriate. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively integrate "a key thing" into your writing to highlight critical points and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial aspect

Replaces "thing" with "aspect", emphasizing a particular feature.

an essential element

Substitutes "key" with "essential" and "thing" with "element", highlighting necessity.

a vital component

Uses "vital" instead of "key" and "component" in place of "thing", stressing importance for a system to work.

a significant factor

Replaces "key" with "significant" and "thing" with "factor", indicating influence on an outcome.

a major consideration

Emphasizes that something needs careful thought, replacing "thing" with consideration.

a primary concern

Highlights something that is of most importance or worry.

a central point

Indicates the main idea or focus, differing slightly from "thing".

a fundamental principle

Stresses a basic rule or belief, making it more formal than "thing".

a core element

Indicates an indispensable ingredient.

an integral part

Specifies that something is necessary to complete the whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key thing" to emphasize an essential aspect or point in a discussion. For example, "A key thing to remember is the importance of preparation".

What are some alternatives to "a key thing"?

Alternatives include "a crucial aspect", "an essential element", or "a significant factor", depending on the context.

Is "a key thing" formal or informal?

"A key thing" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

When should I avoid using "a key thing"?

Avoid using "a key thing" when a simpler and more direct word or phrase would be more effective, such as "important" or "essential". Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive.