back to the key

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back to the key" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to returning to a central point or important element, such as in discussions about music, coding, or problem-solving. Example: "After exploring various options, let's go back to the key that defines our main objective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Well, let's go back to the key.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Back to the key question: should Edward, er, initiate his beloved?

The New Yorker

But back to the key question for parents.

BBC

Which leads us back to the key underlying theme.

Forbes

Which brings us back to the key question of this feature: How do you enter a career in policy?

Science Magazine

The names of the algorithms relate back to the key presented earlier in Table 1 and are numerated from one to six as per the bracketed numbers.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The second, also repeated, moves from the new key back to the original key, in which it ends.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The second half begins in the new key and progresses back to the original key.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At times adopts a major key in instruments, then goes back to the minor key.

Stanford University

This echoes the motion, in binary form, away from and back to the original key.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Almost inevitably, however, he ends up dribbling it back to the same key moments in his life.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "back to the key", ensure the context is clear as to what the "key" refers to. Provide specific details or reminders of the central element you are revisiting.

Common error

Avoid using "back to the key" without clearly establishing what the "key" element is. If the reader is unfamiliar with the topic, the phrase will lack meaning and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back to the key" functions as a transitional phrase, typically used to redirect attention to a central or fundamental concept. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "back to the key" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for refocusing attention on a central or essential element. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility across different domains. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, especially in news, academic, and scientific discussions. To ensure clarity, it's important to explicitly define the "key" element to prevent any ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "return to the main point" or "revisit the essential element" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

returning to the core

Focuses on going back to the most important or fundamental aspect.

revisiting the essence

Highlights the act of reconsidering the fundamental nature of something.

getting back to basics

Emphasizes simplifying and returning to the fundamental principles.

returning to the essential point

Highlights a return to the most crucial aspect of a topic.

reverting to the main idea

Stresses the act of going back to the central concept.

coming back to the crux

Implies returning to the decisive point.

focusing back on the main thing

Emphasizes a shift in attention back to the primary focus.

returning to the heart of the matter

Highlights a return to the most important aspect of a situation.

getting back to the fundamentals

Similar to getting back to basics, emphasizes the foundational elements.

revisiting the critical factor

Highlights a return to the most important aspect for success.

FAQs

How can I use "back to the key" in a sentence?

You can use "back to the key" to redirect focus to a central point. For example, "After discussing various options, let's go "back to the key" principles that guide our decision-making."

What are some alternatives to saying "back to the key"?

You can use alternatives like "return to the main point", "revisit the essential element", or "get back to basics".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "back to the key"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a return to a central concept, essential principle, or critical factor after a discussion or deviation. It signals a need to refocus on what is most important.

What is the difference between ""back to the key"" and "in a nutshell"?

"Back to the key" implies a return to something previously established, while "in a nutshell" means summarizing something concisely for the first time.