but not key

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not key" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is important or relevant, but not essential or critical to the main point or outcome. Example: "The feedback was helpful, but not key to the final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So we have cheerleader Quinn, but not key cast members Kurt and Mercedes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The other 2 were additional, but not key, secondary efficacy measures: living with ADHD, and general well-being.

BMC Psychiatry

Although several group-randomised trials of QICs for diabetes care have shown positive results, 3 others have failed to improve care, and many have improved only test rates but not key aspects of care such as glucose or blood pressure (BP) control.

BMJ Quality and Safety

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Something different," Mr. Dudamel said, "but not keys".

The New York Times - Arts

"Brand New Me" and "No One" sounded fine, though her immaculate pitch was a few cents off, which is normal for most, but not Keys.

The New Yorker

Putting the emphasis on a frontloaded distribution of central bank profits may help in "selling" the initiative to the voters but is not key to a monetary reform.

Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics

Look, England have no end of really classy back-three players, but they are not key in general to winning.

The Guardian - Sport

But they are not key players in the organisation of the local game.

BBC

But more often than not, key conversations lack women's voices.

Huffington Post

They are good things, but not the key thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Acuff: It's another factor, but not a key factor.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not key" to acknowledge the presence or relevance of something while simultaneously downplaying its importance to the central argument or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "but not key" when something is truly insignificant. Ensure the element still holds some relevance, even if minor, to justify its mention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not key" functions as a qualifying conjunction, introducing a contrasting element that, while present, is not central to the discussion. Ludwig confirms the acceptability and usability of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but not key" serves as a useful tool in written English for acknowledging a factor while simultaneously indicating it isn't essential. Ludwig AI confirms that the grammar is correct and usable. Although not exceptionally frequent, it appears in a mix of news, scientific, and business contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When employing "but not key", ensure the element possesses some level of relevance, even if minor, and consider alternatives like "though not essential" or "although not crucial" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though not essential

Replaces "but key" with "though essential", focusing on the non-essential aspect.

although not crucial

Substitutes "but key" with "although crucial", highlighting a lower level of importance.

yet not paramount

Uses "yet not paramount" instead of "but not key" to convey something isn't of utmost importance.

still not central

Employs "still not central" in place of "but not key", emphasizing a non-core role.

however not vital

Replaces "but not key" with "however not vital", signaling something is not absolutely necessary.

even if not fundamental

Changes "but not key" to "even if not fundamental", indicating something is not basic or foundational.

albeit not critical

Substitutes "but not key" with "albeit not critical", conveying that something isn't crucial.

though not indispensable

Uses "though not indispensable" instead of "but not key" to suggest something is replaceable.

while not significant

Replaces "but not key" with "while not significant", indicating a lower impact or importance.

if not primary

Changes "but not key" to "if not primary", highlighting that something is not the main focus.

FAQs

How can I use "but not key" in a sentence?

Use "but not key" to show something is secondary in importance. For example, "The marketing was helpful, "but not key" to the product's success."

What are some alternatives to "but not key"?

Consider using phrases like "though not essential", "although not crucial", or "yet not paramount" to express varying degrees of reduced importance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "but not key"?

Yes, "but not key" is grammatically sound and used to indicate that something is not a primary or essential factor. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

In what context is it appropriate to use "but not key"?

Use "but not key" when you want to acknowledge an element or factor without giving it undue weight or significance in your explanation or argument. It's suitable in many contexts, as long as the mentioned element still has some level of relevance.