is key

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase 'is key' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean that something is essential or important. For example: Communication is key in any successful relationship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bread is key.

The New York Times

Freshness is key.

The New York Times - Travel

Comfort is key throughout.

Independent

Financial stability is key.

The Economist

Dosage is key.

The New Yorker

That resistance is key.

The New Yorker

Durability is key.

The New York Times

The timing is key.

The Economist

Sun protection is key.

The New York Times

CIE's structure is key.

Forbes

"Early diagnosis is key.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is key" to clearly and concisely emphasize the most important factor or element in a given situation.

Common error

Avoid using "is key" in overly simplistic sentences where the importance is already obvious. Opt for more nuanced language to convey importance if the context is self-explanatory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is key" functions as a predicate adjective, attributing a quality of supreme importance or necessity to the subject. This construction, as Ludwig AI confirms, asserts that the identified element is crucial for achieving a particular outcome or understanding a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is key" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the utmost importance of something. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and widespread applicability. While it's versatile enough for various contexts, it is especially common in News & Media and Wiki content. To avoid redundancy, consider using synonyms like "is essential" or "is crucial" in simpler sentences. Overall, "is key" is a reliable way to highlight a critical element but should be used judiciously for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is essential

Replaces "key" with "essential", emphasizing the fundamental and indispensable nature of something.

is crucial

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

is vital

Uses "vital" instead of "key", stressing the necessity of something for survival or success.

is paramount

Replaces "key" with "paramount", indicating that something is of utmost importance.

is critical

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

is fundamental

Uses "fundamental" instead of "key", emphasizing the basic and necessary nature of something.

is indispensable

Replaces "key" with "indispensable", highlighting that something cannot be done without.

is significant

Substitutes "key" with "significant", stressing the noteworthiness or importance of something.

is requisite

Uses "requisite" instead of "key", indicating that something is required or necessary.

is integral

Replaces "key" with "integral", highlighting that something is an essential part of a whole.

FAQs

How can I use "is key" in a sentence?

You can use "is key" to emphasize the most important aspect of a situation. For example, "Communication "is key" to a successful relationship." or "Patience "is key" when learning a new skill."

What are some alternatives to "is key"?

Alternatives to "is key" include "is essential", "is crucial", and "is vital". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It is appropriate to use "is key" when you want to highlight the single most important element or factor in achieving a specific goal or understanding a situation. It's suitable when other factors are less important.

Is "is key" formal or informal?

The phrase "is key" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "is paramount" or "is fundamental" to enhance the tone.