are key for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are key for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is essential or crucial for a particular purpose or outcome. Example: "Effective communication skills are key for successful teamwork in any organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those two things are key for us".

The New York Times - Sports

"Home games are key for us," he concluded.

Independent

3. Cropped jackets are key for spring, Langenstein says.

The New York Times

Earlier diagnosis and earlier treatment are key for this to happen.

The Guardian

Outside the pack, the half-back pairing of Ormaechea and Berchesi are key for Uruguay.

The Guardian - Sport

Measuring and monitoring are key for public relations and investor relations professionals.

The New York Times

A well-played drive and second shot are key for birdie.

The New York Times

Sex education and non-judgmental communication are key for preventing unplanned pregnancies.

The Guardian

As the editor, Ben Little, observes: "Social networks are key for our generation, but they won't save us from disengagement.

The Guardian

"African political will and determination are key for the continent to be able to realise this massive undertaking.

The Guardian

Community-based healthcare Human resources are key for the successful integration of sustainable programmes into local health services.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are key for", ensure that the subject clearly indicates the elements that are crucial. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "are key for" excessively in a single piece of writing. Variety in expression maintains reader engagement and prevents your writing from sounding repetitive. Consider alternative phrases like "are crucial for" or "are essential for" to diversify your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are key for" serves as a predicate adjective, emphasizing the essential or crucial nature of the subject in relation to achieving a particular goal or outcome. Ludwig examples indicate that this phrase is used to highlight indispensable elements across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are key for" is a versatile and common expression used to emphasize the essential nature of certain elements for achieving a specific outcome. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from scientific literature to news articles. While highly useful, it's important to avoid overuse and consider related phrases like "are crucial for" or "are essential for" to maintain writing variety. In summary, "are key for" effectively highlights indispensable factors, enhancing the clarity and impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are crucial for

Emphasizes the critical importance of something.

are critical for

Highlights the decisive importance of something.

are essential for

Highlights the necessity of something.

are vital for

Stresses the indispensability of something.

are fundamental for

Indicates the basic or foundational importance.

are indispensable for

Emphasizes the impossibility of doing without something.

are paramount for

Suggests the supreme importance of something.

are necessary for

Simply states the need for something.

are integral to

Indicates that something is an essential part of a whole.

are requisite for

Highlights that something is required or obligatory.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are key for" is used to highlight the importance of certain elements in achieving a specific outcome. For example, "Strong communication skills are key for effective leadership."

What can I say instead of "are key for"?

You can use alternatives like "are crucial for", "are essential for", or "are vital for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is key for" instead of "are key for"?

The correct form depends on whether you are referring to a singular or plural subject. Use "is key for" with a singular subject (e.g., "Communication is key for success"), and "are key for" with a plural subject (e.g., "Communication and collaboration are key for success").

What is the difference between "are key for" and "are important for"?

"Are key for" implies a higher level of necessity compared to "are important for". While something that is important contributes to an outcome, something that is key is essential and indispensable for that outcome.