is key in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is key in' is correct and can be used in written English, however it is not a commonly used phrase.
It is used to indicate that something is essential to achieving a goal. For example: Communication is key in developing strong relationships.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second, teamwork is key in this business.

The New York Times

Adequate water is key in the desert.

The Guardian - Travel

Cash flow is key in his analysis.

The New York Times

"Competition is key in maintaining investor confidence".

The New York Times

Waste is key in the novel.

The Guardian - Books

Flexibility is key in the action too.

The Guardian - Tech

This issue is key in the battle over press regulation.

The Guardian

Everyone knows that pitching is key in the postseason.

The New York Times - Sports

"Experience is key in fighting fires," said Capt.

The New York Times

The ability to change is key in writing drama.

The Guardian

Nicotine involves dopamine release, which is key in signaling pleasure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is key in", ensure that the sentence clearly identifies what is essential for the specific context you are describing. Be specific about the result or outcome that depends on the key element.

Common error

Avoid using "is key in" when the 'key' element is too vague or undefined. Clearly specify what exactly is indispensable for the situation to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is key in" functions as a predicate adjective emphasizing the indispensable nature of something within a particular process, context, or system. As Ludwig AI points out, it highlights something essential for achieving a goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

34%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is key in" serves to emphasize the critical importance of a particular element within a specific context. While grammatically sound and widely used, consider its appropriateness in formal writing, opting for alternatives like "is crucial for" or "is essential for" to enhance precision. As Ludwig AI highlights, clearly defining the indispensable element is crucial to prevent any vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is crucial for

Replaces 'key' with 'crucial', indicating a critical level of importance.

is essential for

Substitutes 'key' with 'essential', highlighting the indispensable nature.

is vital to

Uses 'vital' instead of 'key', suggesting that something is necessary for the existence or success of something.

is paramount in

Replaces 'key' with 'paramount', highlighting the supreme importance.

is integral to

Replaces 'key' with 'integral', indicating that something forms an essential part of something.

is fundamental to

Indicates that something is a basic or necessary part of a foundation.

is central to

Highlights that something is at the center of something else.

is important for

Replaces 'key' with 'important', indicating significance but potentially less criticality.

plays a critical role in

Emphasizes the function as being a central part of a process.

is a prerequisite for

Indicates that something is required before something else can happen.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is key in" indicates that something is essential or crucial for a particular outcome or process. For example, "Communication is key in any relationship."

What alternatives can I use instead of "is key in"?

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

Is it better to use "is key to" or "is key in"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "is key to" is more common. "Is key in" is typically used when followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing) or when referring to a larger process or system.

What does it mean when something "is key in" a particular context?

When something "is key in" a context, it means that it is a fundamental and necessary element for success or proper functioning within that specific situation.