key detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key detail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an important piece of information that is crucial for understanding a topic or situation. Example: "In the report, the key detail about the project's budget was overlooked, leading to confusion among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The key detail in the story, Bei Ling believes, is the taxi to Poipet.

The Guardian

The answer, I believe, is no, because Chinese officials are misreading a key detail.

The New Yorker

In the book's cleverest touch, she misrepresents a key detail when describing the crime.

The New York Times - Books

When followed up three years later, almost half of the testimonies had changed in at least one key detail.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A key detail is the bowler hat set carefully on a small shelf beneath the official's table.

The New Yorker

She leans in and says something to an actor -- some small, key detail only she would notice -- and she gets exactly what she needs".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Several leaks have revealed key details, and the latest report is the most detailed yet.

TechCrunch

Omitted key details.

The Guardian - Sport

@Om offers some key details.

The New York Times

Charlemagne provides key details here.

The Economist

Many key details are still missing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key detail", ensure that the detail you are highlighting genuinely provides significant insight or understanding to the topic at hand. Overusing it for minor points can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "key detail" to describe trivial or self-evident information. The phrase should be reserved for details that significantly alter understanding or influence outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key detail" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "key" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "detail". It serves to highlight the significance of a specific piece of information. As seen in Ludwig, this emphasizes its crucial role in understanding a context, situation or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "key detail" is a common and grammatically correct way to highlight an important piece of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively draws attention to crucial elements needed for understanding a subject. Predominantly used in "News & Media", it maintains a neutral register suitable for professional and analytical contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the detail genuinely warrants emphasis to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "crucial point" or "essential element" to vary your language while maintaining clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crucial point

Replaces "detail" with a more general term for an item, maintaining the sense of importance.

essential element

Substitutes both "key" and "detail" with synonyms that emphasize necessity and component status.

vital aspect

Emphasizes the importance of the "detail" to the overall subject.

significant factor

Highlights that the "detail" is a determining element in an outcome or situation.

noteworthy feature

Focuses on the "detail" as something that deserves attention due to its special quality or importance.

primary consideration

Highlights the "detail" as the most important point to think about when making a decision or assessment.

central component

Presents the "detail" as a necessary part of a larger whole, essential for its proper function.

core element

Emphasizes the "detail" as being the fundamental and indispensable part of something.

critical information

Replaces detail with broader synonym, emphasizing the importance of the fact.

important particularity

Highlights something that is very small or has a precise characteristic, but is still meaningful.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "key detail" in a sentence?

Use "key detail" to emphasize a specific piece of information that is crucial for understanding a topic or situation. For example, "The "key detail" in the contract was the clause regarding intellectual property rights."

What are some alternatives to "key detail" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "crucial point", "essential element", or "vital aspect" depending on the context.

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

It is appropriate to use "key detail" when you want to draw attention to a specific fact or piece of information that is essential for a proper understanding of the matter at hand. It implies that without this "important particularity", comprehension would be incomplete or flawed.

What's the difference between "key detail" and "important detail"?

"Key detail" suggests that the detail is not only important but also fundamental or decisive. "Important detail" simply denotes that the detail is of significance, without necessarily being the most critical element.