it is key to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is key to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is essential or important. For example, "It is key to success that you stay focused and work hard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is key to England's bowling strategy.

The Guardian - Sport

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

Biologists call such flexibility "phenotypic plasticity," and it is key to the survival of most species.

The New Yorker

"Preserving it is key to the Jamaican iguana's survival and to maintaining the area's biodiversity".

The New York Times - Science

It is key to understanding diseases and disorders, including Alzheimer's and autism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is key to", ensure that the statement following clearly articulates the goal or outcome that the subject is crucial for achieving. This provides context and reinforces the significance of the element being highlighted.

Common error

Avoid using "it is key to" excessively in casual or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in relaxed contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it helps to" or "it's important to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is key to" functions as an emphasizer, highlighting the critical importance or necessity of something for achieving a specific goal or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it underscores that a particular element is essential for success or effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is key to" is a versatile and widely used expression that emphasizes the critical importance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly when highlighting essential elements for achieving specific outcomes. While grammatically sound, it is advisable to consider the context and audience to maintain the appropriate tone, especially avoiding overuse in overly informal settings. The phrase frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic sources, underscoring its significance across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is crucial to

This alternative directly substitutes "key" with "crucial", maintaining the meaning of being essential.

it is essential to

Replacing "key" with "essential" provides a synonym that also signifies fundamental importance.

it is vital to

Using "vital" instead of "key" emphasizes the necessity of something for success or survival.

it is critical to

Changing "key" to "critical" indicates that something is essential to avoid failure or disaster.

it is paramount to

Substituting "key" with "paramount" elevates the level of importance, suggesting it is of utmost concern.

it is fundamental to

Replacing "key" with "fundamental" stresses the foundational nature of something.

it is central to

Changing "key" to "central" suggests that something is at the core or heart of a matter.

it is important to

Using "important" offers a slightly less emphatic but still significant alternative.

it is significant to

Substituting "key" with "significant" highlights the importance of something in producing an effect.

it is requisite to

Replacing "key" with "requisite" indicates that something is required or necessary for a specific outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "it is key to" to emphasize the importance of something for achieving a specific outcome. For example, "It is key to develop and repeat consistent and caring messages".

What phrases are similar to "it is key to"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is crucial to", "it is essential to", or "it is vital to" depending on the context.

Is "it is key to" formal or informal?

"It is key to" leans towards formal usage but is acceptable in many contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing this phrase.

What is the difference between "it is key to" and "it is important to"?

"It is key to" suggests a higher degree of necessity and impact than "it is important to". Use "it is key to" when something is absolutely essential, while "it is important to" is suitable for general significance.