it is key

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is key" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the importance of something. Example: Consistently following the company's core values is key to success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it is key.

The Guardian

It is key to England's bowling strategy.

The Guardian - Sport

It is Key Biscayne, not Biscayne Bay.

The New York Times

It is key to learning on the job.

University of California, Berkeley

It is key to the company's hitherto recession-resistant finances.

The Guardian

It is key to any recovery from Britain's economic disaster.

Independent

Choosing to explore the unknown rather than avoid it is key to a rich, meaningful life.

University of California, Berkeley

It is key to accurate resolution of the interface at manageable computational costs.

Journal of Computational Physics

"It is key to everything we do and runs throughout every task we perform.

The Guardian - Money

"It's just a portion of their religion, but it is key to their rituals.

The New York Times

It is key that we do not take these fans for granted.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is key", ensure the context clearly defines what 'it' refers to. Ambiguity can weaken the statement's impact. Instead of "Improving communication is key" you can say "Improving communication between departments is key to project success".

Common error

Avoid using "it is key" repeatedly within the same piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "crucial", "essential", or "vital".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is key" functions as a predicative expression, where "it" refers to a specific action, concept, or element, and "is key" attributes to it the quality of being essential or crucial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to emphasize importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is key" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions as a predicative expression highlighting essential elements across diverse fields like news, science, and business. While very common, varying your language with alternatives such as "it is crucial" or "it is essential" can enhance your writing. Remembering to clearly define what 'it' refers to and avoiding overuse will ensure effective communication. This phrase is a powerful tool when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is crucial

Replaces 'key' with 'crucial', maintaining a similar level of emphasis on importance.

it is essential

Substitutes 'key' with 'essential', indicating something indispensable or necessary.

it is vital

Changes 'key' to 'vital', highlighting the critical nature of something.

it is paramount

Replaces 'key' with 'paramount', suggesting the highest level of importance.

it is imperative

Replaces 'key' with 'imperative', conveying a sense of urgency and necessity.

it is of utmost importance

Expands on the idea, explicitly stating that something has the highest level of importance.

it is significant

Uses 'significant' instead of 'key', emphasizing the importance but with a slightly different connotation.

it is fundamental

Replaces 'key' with 'fundamental', indicating a basic or foundational importance.

it is central

Substitutes 'key' with 'central', suggesting that something is at the heart of the matter.

it is a necessity

Changes the structure to focus on the necessity of something rather than its 'key' aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is key" to emphasize the importance of something. For instance, "Consistent effort "is key" to achieving long-term goals".

What are some alternatives to "it is key"?

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

Is it better to say "it is key" or "it's key"?

Both "it is key" and "it's key" are grammatically correct and acceptable. "It's key" is a contraction and is more informal, while "it is key" is slightly more formal. Choose based on the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "it is key" and "it is important"?

While both phrases indicate significance, "it is key" suggests something is fundamental or essential for success, whereas "it is important" simply indicates something holds value or relevance but may not be absolutely necessary. Think of the difference like this: "it is essential" vs it has value.