key

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often to refer to something that is crucial or essential to understanding or solving a problem. Example: "The key to solving this puzzle lies in understanding the clues provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In more congested areas or particularly busy times of the day, then vehicles on key roads might be given priority in order to keep the traffic flowing".

The Guardian - Tech

Clarke called on pro-Europeans to make the case for the EU more effectively as he called for the fulfilment of Margaret Thatcher's two key European ambitions – completing the single market and expanding the EU by admitting Turkey.

The Guardian

Interactive guide Election countdown: the key dates up to June 7 Interactive quizzes Can you be bothered?

The Guardian

Economists generally agree that the key to addressing climate change is to raise the cost of burning fossil fuels, either directly, through a carbon tax, or indirectly, through a cap-and-trade program.

The Economist

Here are the key points.

The New York Times

"Er... the referee missed some key decisions... er... we should definitely have been awarded a penalty... we were definitely the better side," he told me.

The Guardian - Books

The growing gulf between Saudi Arabia and its more sceptical western partners is nowhere more apparent than in the key area of security and defence cooperation, upon which the relationship was founded in 1915.

The Guardian

Zawahiri emerged as the "brains" of the militant group, playing a key role in several big attacks.

The Guardian

This indirect electoral maths suggests that Ukip's outsize influence on the national debate (relative to their parliamentary presence) could be set to continue as the major parties seek to fend off the threat in their key marginal constituencies.

The Guardian

The treatment of children in church-run residential homes is a key concern of the investigation, which is chaired by the retired judge Sir Anthony Hart and is considering cases between 1922 – when Northern Ireland was founded – and 1995.

The Guardian

A ba-boom - but worse things happen in the world.' He thinks the key to the success of modern cracker jokes is precisely because they're not funny.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key", ensure it clearly identifies the most important aspect or element you are referring to. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "key" excessively in your writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "essential", "crucial", or "vital" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "key" is as a noun, denoting an object used to open a lock, a crucial element, or a guide. However, it can also function as an adjective, indicating something indispensable, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "key" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun or adjective, denoting something essential or crucial. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse communications. While synonyms like "essential element" and "crucial factor" exist, "key" effectively emphasizes the importance of a specific element. To enhance writing, avoid overuse and consider synonyms to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential element

Replaces "key" with a focus on the fundamental nature of something.

crucial factor

Highlights the importance of something as a determining element.

vital component

Emphasizes the necessity of something for the whole to function.

critical aspect

Focuses on an important part or feature.

fundamental principle

Highlights the underlying rule or basis.

central point

Indicates the main idea or focus.

core ingredient

Emphasizes the essential nature of a component in a mixture or process.

cornerstone

Highlights the importance of something as a base.

linchpin

Indicates something that holds everything together.

keystone

Emphasizes the structural importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "key" in a sentence?

You can use "key" to describe something essential or crucial. For example, "Communication is "key" to a successful relationship" or "The "key" to solving this problem is persistence".

What's a less common synonym for "key"?

A less common synonym for "key" is "linchpin", which refers to something that holds everything together.

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

"Key" implies something is essential or crucial, while "important" simply means something has significance. Something can be important without being the most crucial element. "Key" is a stronger term.

Can "key" be used as a verb?

Yes, "key" can be used as a verb, often in the context of entering information (e.g., "key in the data"). It can also mean to vandalize (e.g., "He "keyed" the car").