key document

USAGE SUMMARY

"key document" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to an essential or important document that contains important information or serves a critical purpose. Example: "Before submitting your application, make sure you have all the key documents, such as your resume, cover letter, and references, ready to be included."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The key document is the full 104-page report.

The Guardian

The key document is from the Council of the EU dated 30 May.

The Guardian

A key document describing who approved the switch is mostly blank.

The New York Times

The next key document – the coalition agreement – proved a mixed blessing for Lansley.

The Guardian

Tate has issued this key document in a nice new edition.

Independent

It is a key document which contains the essence of their arguments in a case.

The Guardian - Opinion

The poet's reply, which is included in the Library of America volume, has become a key document of poetic modernism.

The New Yorker

But the invitation to tender, the key document on which the contracts will be based, is still being drawn up.

The Guardian

This is the second key document – it sets out how the relationship will work operationally, therefore reinforcing the terms of the agreement.

The Guardian

The key document — exclusive to The Times — was the 33-page typed "case notes" report of Sgt. Mark D. Gottlieb, a Durham police investigator.

The New York Times

The second record remains a key document in the history of street rap, honoring Jay-Z's upbringing in the Marcy projects.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "key document" with more specific and descriptive terms when possible for better clarity (e.g., "financial statement", "legal agreement").

Common error

Avoid using "key document" as a generic descriptor. Always clarify what makes the document essential in the given context, or choose a more precise term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key document" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "key" modifies the noun "document". Ludwig AI confirms its regular grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key document" is a common and grammatically sound way to highlight the importance of a particular document, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news, academic writing, and scientific publications to emphasize a document's central role. While "key document" is widely applicable, it's best practice to provide context or replace it with a more descriptive term for greater clarity. Alternatives such as ""essential document"" or ""crucial document"" can offer more specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential document

Emphasizes the necessity and indispensability of the document.

crucial document

Highlights the critical importance of the document to a specific outcome or process.

vital document

Stresses that the document is essential for the survival or success of something.

important record

Focuses on the significance of the document as a source of information or evidence.

significant file

Highlights a file's noteworthiness.

central paper

Indicates that the document is at the core or center of a matter.

primary source

Refers to an original document or firsthand account, often of historical significance.

cornerstone file

Implies the document is foundational and indispensable, like a cornerstone in construction.

critical paperwork

Emphasizes the serious consequences that could arise from mishandling.

relevant documentation

Focuses on the document's pertinence and applicability to a given situation.

FAQs

How can I use "key document" in a sentence?

Use "key document" to emphasize the importance of a particular document. For example: "The contract serves as a "key document" in our ongoing negotiations."

What are some alternatives to saying "key document"?

Alternatives include "essential document", "crucial document", or "vital document", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "key document"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight a document's significance within a particular process, decision, or situation. Ensure the context makes it clear why the document is considered "key".

What is the difference between a "key document" and an "important document"?

While both terms indicate significance, a "key document" suggests that the document is not just important, but essential or central to something. It implies that without this document, a process or decision could be significantly impacted.