are key

USAGE SUMMARY

'are key' is not a correct or usable part of a sentence in English.
In order to use it in a sentence, you would need to add more words. For example: "These special ingredients are key to the recipe."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Accessories are key(s).

The New York Times

Vocals are key.

Independent

"Wives are key, dude.

The New Yorker

They are key.

The New Yorker

"The designers are key.

The Guardian

Both are key guys.

The Guardian - Sport

These protections are key.

The Guardian - Opinion

These are key challenges.

The Guardian

All are key criteria.

The Guardian

Parents are key.

The Guardian

But ethics are key".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the phrase "are key" is followed by a noun or noun phrase to create a complete and grammatically correct sentence. For example, "Communication skills are key to success."

Common error

Avoid using "are key" as a standalone statement. Always provide the subject to which it refers to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity. For instance, instead of just saying "Are key", specify "These elements are key".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are key" functions as a predicate adjective modifying a plural subject. It signifies that the subject possesses a quality of being essential or crucial. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it requires a subject to form a complete sentence. For example, "These skills are key."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academic sources

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are key" is a commonly used expression to emphasize the importance or necessity of something. However, according to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically incomplete on its own and requires a subject to form a full sentence. The phrase sees frequent use in news, media, and wiki contexts, reflecting its versatility across different communication styles. While not grammatically standalone, its prevalence makes it a readily understood idiom when used correctly within a larger sentence structure. Alternatives like "are essential" or "are crucial" can be used to express a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are essential

Substitutes "key" with a synonym indicating necessity.

are vital

Replaces "key" with a synonym highlighting importance.

are crucial

Uses a synonym for "key" that stresses critical importance.

are indispensable

Replaces "key" emphasizing that something is absolutely necessary.

are paramount

Replaces "key" with a synonym denoting the highest level of importance.

are critical

Replaces "key" with a synonym emphasizing the potential for serious consequences.

are requisite

Uses a more formal term for 'required' or 'necessary'.

are significant

Uses a more general term for importance.

are important

A broader term indicating value or relevance.

are fundamental

Highlights the basic or foundational nature of something.

FAQs

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

To use "are key" correctly, follow it with a noun or noun phrase that specifies what is important. For example, "Teamwork and communication are key to project success."

What's a good alternative to "are key"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "are essential", "are vital", or "are crucial" to express the same idea.

Is it grammatically correct to say just "are key"?

No, "are key" is not grammatically complete on its own. It needs a subject to form a complete sentence. For example, "These factors are key."

In what contexts is "are key" commonly used?

"Are key" is often used in discussions about success factors, important elements, or necessary conditions across various fields like business, education, and personal development. For example: "Skills are key for success in that area".