it is key to understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is key to understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing the importance of a particular concept or piece of information in relation to comprehension. Example: "In order to grasp the complexities of the theory, it is key to understanding the foundational principles behind it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We have already made a step on the track-side management, now we want to improve on the area of simulation, because it is key to understanding tire behavior and its affect on car performance," Domenicali said.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The Guardian

To Kendall, family matters enormously, and it is key to understanding the brand of centrist, pro-business, pro-aspiration politics she represents on one side of a leadership battle that has torn Labour apart and seen Kendall on the right and Jeremy Corbyn on the left attacked as enemies within.

The Guardian

Our motivations are often not expressed upfront, yet it is key to understanding what people want to get done".

TechCrunch

First, there is a dearth of data and it is key to understanding the scale of the problem.

Huffington Post

Urban physics is a rapidly increasing focus area as it is key to understanding and addressing the grand societal challenges climate change, energy, health, security, transport and aging.

Building and Environment

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But for Fox, who'd been a Mountie for about five years by the time she took the Yukon course, it was key to understanding the tension in Watson Lake.

Vice

But for Fox, who'd been an officer for about five years by the time she took the Yukon course, it was key to understanding the tension in Watson Lake.

Vice

It was important to find out how PeD12 inhibited feeding because it was key to understanding how the two behavioral networks interacted.

Current Biology

This is key to understanding what is replicable about Syriza, and what is not.

The Guardian

And this is key to understanding Tribe.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that what follows "it is key to understanding" directly relates to the core concept you are explaining.

Common error

Avoid using "it is key to understanding" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is key to understanding" serves as an emphatic connector, highlighting the essential nature of a particular element for comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is key to understanding" functions as an emphatic signal, directing attention to information that is crucial for comprehension. Ludwig AI validates that the expression is accurate and widely used. Although it has a neutral to formal register and appears most often in News & Media and Science contexts, varying your phrasing is advisable to avoid repetition. Alternatives like "it is essential for understanding" or "it is crucial for understanding" can provide similar emphasis while diversifying your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is essential for understanding

Replaces "key" with "essential", indicating something is absolutely necessary.

it is crucial for understanding

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

it is vital for understanding

Uses "vital" instead of "key", suggesting something is necessary for the survival or success of understanding.

it is fundamental to understanding

Replaces "key" with "fundamental", implying a basic and necessary element.

it is paramount for understanding

Substitutes "key" with "paramount", indicating the highest importance.

it is significant for understanding

Uses "significant" instead of "key", suggesting that something is important and worthy of attention.

it is imperative for understanding

Replaces "key" with "imperative", which emphasizes the pressing need for understanding.

it is central to understanding

Substitutes "key" with "central", indicating that something is at the heart of understanding.

it is indispensable for understanding

Uses "indispensable" instead of "key", suggesting something is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

it is integral to understanding

Replaces "key" with "integral", showing that something forms an essential part of understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "it is key to understanding" to highlight essential information for comprehending a subject. For instance, "It is key to understanding the historical context to appreciate the author's intent."

What are some alternatives to "it is key to understanding"?

Alternatives include "it is essential for understanding", "it is crucial for understanding", or "it is vital for understanding".

Is it better to say "it is key to understanding" or "it is important to understand"?

"It is key to understanding" emphasizes the necessity of something for comprehension, whereas "it is important to understand" simply highlights the significance of understanding something. The best choice depends on the specific emphasis you want to convey.

What makes something "key" to understanding, rather than just helpful?

When something is "key" to understanding, it means that without it, a proper or complete comprehension is impossible. It's a fundamental piece, unlike something that is merely helpful, which provides additional but non-essential insight.