are the key

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are the key" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most important element in a situation. For example, you could say "Time and patience are the key to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Expectations are the key.

The New York Times

Women are the key.

The New York Times

Baby steps are the key.

Independent

Here are the key points.

The New York Times

Artists are the key.

The Guardian

People are the key.

Harvard Business Review

"Short" and "survey" are the key words.

The New York Times

"They are the key asset, above all".

The New York Times

They are the key to defeating it.

Independent

What are the key findings from 2014?

The Guardian

Mr Murguía says jobs are the key.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are the key", ensure you clearly define what elements or factors constitute the key components. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "are the key" as a generic statement. Instead, be specific about why the elements you are describing are crucial. Provide evidence or reasoning to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are the key" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying and emphasizing the most important elements or aspects within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

14%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are the key" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the importance of particular elements or factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business communications. The phrase functions as a predicate nominative and its primary purpose is to highlight crucial factors. When using "are the key", remember to be specific about what makes these elements so important, and avoid overuse without providing supporting context. Similar phrases include "are essential", "are crucial", and "are vital".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are essential

Replaces "key" with "essential", emphasizing the necessity of something.

are crucial

Substitutes "key" with "crucial", highlighting the critical importance of something.

are vital

Replaces "key" with "vital", stressing that something is necessary for success or survival.

are fundamental

Substitutes "key" with "fundamental", indicating that something forms a necessary base or core.

are paramount

Replaces "key" with "paramount", meaning something is of the highest importance.

are critical

Substitutes "key" with "critical", underscoring the decisive importance of something.

are central

Replaces "key" with "central", highlighting that something is located in the center and of main importance.

are significant

Substitutes "key" with "significant", conveying the importance of something.

are instrumental

Replaces "key" with "instrumental", indicating that something is important in causing something to happen.

are the solution

Expresses that something provides the means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "are the key" to emphasize the importance of certain elements. For instance, "Patience and persistence "are the key" to mastering a new skill."

What phrases are similar to "are the key"?

Similar phrases include "are essential", "are crucial", or "are vital", all indicating high importance.

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

The choice between "is the key" and "are the key" depends on whether you are referring to a singular or plural subject. Use "is the key" for a singular noun and "are the key" for plural nouns.

What's the difference between "are the key" and "are key"?

"Are the key" implies that the items mentioned are the most important or crucial ones. "Are key" simply suggests that the items are important, but not necessarily the most important.