is the key differentiator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is the key differentiator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing what sets something apart from others, particularly in a competitive context. Example: "In the tech industry, innovation is the key differentiator that determines a company's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Often, emotional intelligence is the key differentiator between a star performer and the rest of the pack, yet many never embrace the skill for themselves.

Harvard Business Review

Sony believes that heritage is the key differentiator between its PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's Xbox One, the two rival "next-gen" video game systems that will battle for the valuable prime real estate beneath our television sets this Christmas and beyond.

The Guardian - Tech

Product management is the key differentiator.

Forbes

With mentors like USV's Fred Wilson, FirstMark Capital's Matt Turck and Geometric Intelligence's Gary Marcus, access is the key differentiator between an assembly line and a true accelerator.

TechCrunch

With mentors like USV's Fred Wilson, FirstMark Capital's Matt Turck and Geometric Intelligence's Gary Marcus, access is the key differentiator between an assembly line and a true accelerator.

TechCrunch

Company CEO and co-founder George Fraser says the automation is the key differentiator here between his company and competitors like Informatica and SnapLogic.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

As the head of sustainability for a major mining company recently said, "If a modern mining company thinks its competitive advantage is in mining, they are sadly mistaken". The implication is that being good at sustainability will be the key differentiator among mining companies in the future.

University of Pennsylvania

For years, advisors have promoted their expertise as being the key differentiator separating them from the competition.

Forbes

For those who are in high-demand roles, having that kind of extra information can sometimes be the key differentiator.

TechCrunch

Our Guides, of course, continue to be the key differentiator for ChaCha, inserting a human element in every question and answer.

TechCrunch

"Family was the key differentiator in my recovery.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when highlighting a single, paramount factor that distinguishes a product, service, or concept from its competitors or alternatives. For instance, "For this phone, battery life is the key differentiator".

Common error

Avoid using "is the key differentiator" when multiple factors contribute significantly to differentiation. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact and suggest a lack of nuance in your analysis. Instead, consider using phrases like "is a major differentiator" or "is one of the key differentiators".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is the key differentiator" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying the subject with a specific, crucial attribute. It is used to pinpoint the most important factor that distinguishes something from its competitors or alternatives, as confirmed by examples analyzed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is the key differentiator" is a common and grammatically correct way to highlight the most important factor that distinguishes something from its competitors. Ludwig AI indicates its use spans across news, academic, and business contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly articulate what the key differentiator is and provide specific examples to support your claim. However, be cautious not to overstate its importance if multiple factors contribute significantly, as this can dilute its impact. Alternative phrases like "is the primary distinction" or "is the main distinguishing factor" may be more appropriate in such cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is the primary distinction

Replaces 'key differentiator' with 'primary distinction', focusing on the main difference.

is the main distinguishing factor

Substitutes 'key differentiator' with 'main distinguishing factor', emphasizing the element that sets something apart.

is the crucial distinguishing feature

Replaces 'key' with 'crucial' and 'differentiator' with 'distinguishing feature', highlighting the importance of the distinguishing aspect.

represents the unique selling proposition

Replaces the entire phrase to indicate it is the specific factor that makes your product better than competitors.

is the defining characteristic

Changes 'key differentiator' to 'defining characteristic', focusing on the characteristic that defines something.

is what sets it apart

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the act of differentiation.

provides a competitive edge

Indicates how it is superior in a competitive context.

is the essential element

Highlights the critical nature of the element that differentiates.

is the deciding factor

Focuses on the aspect that determines a choice or outcome.

is the most important difference

Emphasizes the relative importance of the differentiating factor.

FAQs

What does "is the key differentiator" mean?

It means that a particular feature, aspect, or quality is the most important thing that sets something apart from its competitors or other similar things.

How to use "is the key differentiator" in a sentence?

Use it to highlight what makes something unique and superior. For example, "In this competitive market, innovation "is the key differentiator" for success."

What can I say instead of "is the key differentiator"?

You can use alternatives like "is the primary distinction", "is the main distinguishing factor", or "is the defining characteristic depending on the context.

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

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the single most important factor that makes something stand out. However, avoid overusing it; sometimes "is a major differentiator" or "is one of the key differentiators" may be more accurate if multiple factors are significant.