a spare key

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a spare key" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an additional key that is kept for backup purposes, typically for a door or lock. Example: "I always keep a spare key hidden in the garden in case I lose my main key."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After about 10 minutes, they got a spare key from an attendant and unlocked the door.

The New York Times

They had previously bought a spare key, but unfortunately did not have its chip programmed.

Independent

A lettings agent who held a spare key showed the policeman in.

The Guardian

If someone loses their keys, one of us will have a spare key, it's very friendly.

The Guardian

So much for the theory that Gertrude had a spare key.

The Guardian - Books

Might that Judith woman have provided Gertrude a spare key for emergencies?

The Guardian - Books

He would use a spare key; she would drive home with the children.

The New York Times

Don't leave a spare key under the doormat (or another obvious place).

The Washington Post

All Stanford Earth vehicles have a spare key, which should be given to a responsible party during the trip.

Stanford University

If you need to have a spare key outside the house, it's best to leave it with a trusted neighbor.

The New York Times

She had crashed into a ditch near the farm after retrieving a spare key hidden under her car's transom.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always keep "a spare key" in a secure but accessible location, such as with a trusted neighbor or in a lockbox, to prevent lockout situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a spare key" when you actually mean the master key, which opens all locks in a system. "A spare key" only opens one specific lock.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a spare key" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to an additional key that is kept for backup purposes. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

17%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a spare key" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to an additional key kept for backup purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. It's most frequently encountered in news and media, as well as in academic and wiki contexts. When using the phrase, remember to distinguish it from a master key and consider secure storage options. Alternatives like "an extra key" or "a backup key" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extra key

Uses 'extra' instead of 'spare' to denote an additional key.

a backup key

Replaces 'spare' with 'backup', emphasizing the key's role as a reserve.

an additional key

Uses "additional" to convey the sense of an extra key that's available.

a duplicate key

Substitutes 'spare' with 'duplicate' to highlight that it is an identical copy.

a key copy

A more concise way to refer to a duplicate of the original key.

a secondary key

Replaces 'spare' with 'secondary', meaning of less importance but available.

a second key

Uses 'second' to indicate an alternative key.

an emergency key

Replaces 'spare' emphasizing the key's use in emergency situations.

a hidden key

Highlights that the spare key is stored secretly.

a master key

Denotes a key that opens multiple locks, unlike a standard spare.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a spare key"?

You can use alternatives like "an extra key", "a backup key", or "a duplicate key" depending on the context.

Where is the best place to keep "a spare key"?

It's recommended to keep "a spare key" with a trusted neighbor, in a secure lockbox, or hidden in a discreet location away from plain sight, ensuring easy access in case of emergencies.

Is it safe to hide "a spare key" under the doormat?

Hiding "a spare key" under the doormat or in other obvious places isn't recommended, as it's one of the first places burglars will check. Opt for more secure hiding spots or trusted individuals.

What's the difference between "a spare key" and a master key?

"A spare key" is a duplicate of a specific key that opens a single lock, whereas a master key is designed to open multiple locks within a system.