are a key component of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are a key component of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance of a particular element within a larger context or system. Example: "Regular exercise and a balanced diet are a key component of maintaining good health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They are a key component of persuasive communication.

Independent

The special events are a key component of Fantastic Fest, and this year saw some new additions.

The Guardian - Film

"Bank partners are powerful additions to the card network and are a key component of our growth strategy".

The New York Times

If tax revenues are a key component of what the Agenda calls the "means of implementation" why has the reform conversation stalled?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Jobs are a key component of the recovery," Mr. Pipkin said, "and one way people can help is by coming as tourists".

The New York Times

Notably, restricted stock units are a key component of many startup compensation packages.

TechCrunch

"Efficient planning regulations are a key component of a health enterprise culture," he said.

BBC

Databases of chemical structures are a key component of chemical information infrastructures.

Chemistry Central Journal

Small ruminants are a key component of the rural livelihood systems in ruralEthiopia.

Agricultural and Food Economics

These paragraphs are based on the understanding that migrants are a key component of modern societies.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Spatial interactions between forest stands are a key component of such models.

Acta Ecologica Sinica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are a key component of" to underscore the significance of a particular aspect within a system, strategy, or process. This emphasizes that the element is not just present but also plays a vital role in the overall functionality or success. Ensure that the subject logically connects to the component being described.

Common error

Avoid using "are a key component of" simply as a generic way to say something is 'important'. Instead, specify how the component contributes to the whole. For example, instead of 'Teamwork is a key component of success', try 'Teamwork is a key component of success, fostering innovation and efficient problem-solving'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are a key component of" functions as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that renames or describes it. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it identifies crucial elements within a larger context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are a key component of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize the importance of specific elements within a larger system. As noted by Ludwig AI, it effectively highlights the essential role these components play. The phrase sees common use in science, news media and business contexts, but also appears in more general contexts, making it fairly versatile. Remember to focus on explaining how the component relates to the overall process or system. Alternatives include phrases such as "are an essential part of", or "play a vital role in".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are integral to

This alternative suggests that the element is indispensable and intrinsically linked.

are fundamental to

This stresses the foundational nature of the element, indicating it's a basic building block.

are an essential part of

This phrase stresses necessity and belonging to a whole, differing slightly in tone from 'key component'.

are central to

This emphasizes the element's position as the focal point or core aspect.

constitute a central element of

This alternative emphasizes the element's role in forming a whole, focusing on composition rather than importance.

are vital for

This stresses the element's necessity for life or success, indicating it's indispensable.

form a critical aspect of

This highlights the importance of being crucial or decisive, framing the element as a viewpoint or facet.

are crucial for

This focuses on the element's decisive role in achieving a specific outcome.

play a vital role in

This option highlights the function or influence of the element, rather than its structural position.

are significant in

This alternative highlights the element's importance or consequence, being noteworthy or impactful.

FAQs

How can I use "are a key component of" in a sentence?

Use "are a key component of" to highlight the essential elements within a larger system or process. For instance, "Communication and collaboration "are a key component of" successful teamwork".

What are some alternatives to "are a key component of"?

You can use alternatives like "are an essential part of", "play a vital role in", or "constitute a central element of" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "are a key component of" or "is a key component of"?

The correct form depends on the subject's number. Use "are" with plural subjects (e.g., 'Communication and planning are a key component of project management'). Use "is" with singular subjects (e.g., 'Communication is a key component of project management').

What's the difference between "are an essential part of" and "are a key component of"?

While similar, "are a key component of" emphasizes the functional contribution within a structured system, whereas "are an essential part of" stresses necessity and belonging to a whole. The former is suited for technical or strategic contexts, the latter for general importance.