be a key element

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a key element" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is essential or crucial to a particular situation, process, or concept. Example: "Effective communication will be a key element in ensuring the success of our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His celebrity will be a key element of the film.

The Guardian - Film

It should be a key element of life-long learning.

The Guardian

Chance can indeed be a key element of invention.

MIT Technology Review

Security and counter-terrorism are likely to be a key element of their discussions.

The Guardian

"The message is, that has to be a key element of any progressive tax reform.

The New York Times

They may be a key element in memory and processing chips of the future.

MIT Technology Review

If words are to be a key element, they must be integrated into the design.

The New York Times

It seems to be a key element in our contemporary situation.

University of California, Berkeley

I'm impatient to see it; I'm sure that it that it will be a key element in this discussion.

The New Yorker

The renewal and modernisation of our party will be a key element of our fight for a fourth term.

The Guardian - Opinion

Australia's relations with the region are expected to be a key element of the government's forthcoming migration white paper.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a key element", ensure that the sentence clearly explains why the element is crucial. Providing specific details strengthens your argument and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be a key element" for components that are merely helpful or beneficial, but not truly essential. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a key element" functions as a subject complement, linking the subject to a noun phrase that describes a crucial aspect or component. It indicates the importance or necessity of something within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a key element" is a commonly used phrase to emphasize the essential nature of something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely applicable, though its effectiveness is boosted by clearly explaining why the element is key. While appropriate for various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing, avoid overusing it and consider more precise language in highly formal settings. Alternative phrases like "constitute a crucial component" can offer subtle differences in meaning and tone. This analysis is based on a wide range of examples from authoritative sources, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constitute a crucial component

Replaces 'be' with 'constitute', changing the verb, and uses 'crucial component' instead of 'key element', emphasizing the essential nature.

represent a vital aspect

Substitutes 'be' with 'represent' and 'key element' with 'vital aspect', highlighting significance in a slightly different way.

form an integral part

Replaces 'be' with 'form' and 'key element' with 'integral part', stressing the interconnectedness and necessity of the element.

act as a cornerstone

Uses a metaphor, replacing 'key element' with 'cornerstone', suggesting fundamental support and importance.

serve as a linchpin

Employs another metaphor, using 'linchpin' instead of 'key element' to indicate something that holds everything together.

play a pivotal role

Changes the structure to focus on the action ('play') and substitutes 'key element' with 'pivotal role', emphasizing importance and influence.

prove to be indispensable

Shifts the focus to the outcome ('prove to be') and uses 'indispensable' to convey the necessity of the element.

emerge as a critical factor

Highlights the process of becoming important ('emerge as') and uses 'critical factor' instead of 'key element'.

hold paramount importance

Rephrases to emphasize the degree of importance ('paramount importance') rather than directly stating it's a key element.

constitute a necessity

Condenses the phrase to simply state that something 'constitutes a necessity', implying it is a key element.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "be a key element" in a sentence?

To effectively use "be a key element", follow it with a clear explanation of why that element is so important. For instance, "Clear communication will "be a key element", because it ensures all team members are aligned."

What are some alternatives to saying "be a key element"?

You can use phrases like "constitute a crucial component", "represent a vital aspect", or "form an integral part" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "be a key element" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In highly formal or academic writing, more precise or technical language might be preferred. Alternatives like "play a pivotal role" or specifying its role as a "cornerstone" might offer greater sophistication.

What makes "be a key element" different from "be an important factor"?

"Be a key element" suggests something is essential and indispensable, whereas "be an important factor" implies significance but not necessarily criticality. A "key element" is foundational, while an "important factor" /s/be+an+important+factor can be one of many contributing influences.