be key to something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be key to something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is essential or crucial for the success or functioning of another thing. Example: "Effective communication is key to a successful team project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The two have acknowledged in the past that therapy can be key to a happy marriage, and something couples should consider at the very start of their relationship.

Huffington Post

Brand consultant Yasmin Sewell believes it's key to keep "something feminine visible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An empty mind is key to letting something happen in someone else.

Forbes

Kuri's movement design was led by a longtime Pixar animator, in fact, which Mayfield believes is key to making it something that people will not only be comfortable using, but that will want to interact with regularly.

TechCrunch

"Collaborations are key to these sessions, but also something that you would regularly expect at Communion club nights," says Lovett.

Independent

I think diversity is key to winning and it's something I've always believed in," she observes.

Forbes

Good digestion is key to internal balance — this is something that even holistic health skeptics can agree upon.

Los Angeles Times

Collaboration is something that is key to our community.

The Guardian

"We have also seen a growth in our commercial revenue, from areas such as concerts and sponsorship, which is something that is key to us achieving our aims".

Independent

The task of protecting wild African elephants is not simply seen as a moral obligation but as a significant wealth generator – something which is key to the strategy.

The Guardian

Preparation is key to good shopping if you have something specific in mind, or just don't want to be left with the dregs.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be key to something", ensure the 'something' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "Teamwork is key to a project's success" is more effective than "Teamwork is key to something."

Common error

Avoid using "be key to something" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms such as "be crucial for" or "be essential for" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be key to something" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a particular element or action is essential or crucial for achieving a certain outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be key to something" signifies that something is essential or crucial for a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase adheres to standard English grammar rules. While grammatically sound, the frequency of its usage is currently missing from our data, it's versatile enough to fit into numerous contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic writing. When using this phrase, make sure the 'something' is clearly defined. To avoid redundancy, synonyms like "be crucial for" or "be essential to" can be employed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be crucial for something

Emphasizes the critical importance of something, suggesting it's indispensable.

be essential for something

Highlights the necessity of something, implying it's a basic requirement.

be vital for something

Stresses the life-sustaining or critical nature of something.

be fundamental to something

Indicates that something forms a necessary base or core.

be integral to something

Suggests that something is an essential part of a whole.

be paramount for something

Emphasizes the supreme importance or dominance of something.

be central to something

Highlights that something is at the heart or core of a situation.

be a prerequisite for something

Indicates that something is required before something else can happen.

be a cornerstone of something

Implies that something is a fundamental building block or foundation.

be the linchpin of something

Suggests that something is the most crucial element that holds everything together.

FAQs

How can I use "be key to something" in a sentence?

Use "be key to something" to express that something is essential or crucial for achieving a particular outcome. For example, "Effective communication "is key to" a successful relationship".

What can I say instead of "be key to something"?

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

Is it grammatically correct to use "be key to something"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in various contexts.

What's the difference between "be key to something" and "be important to something"?

"Be key to something" implies a higher degree of necessity than "be important to something". While importance suggests significance, being key suggests indispensability.