key element in

USAGE SUMMARY

"key element in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are trying to emphasize something important or essential in a certain situation. For example, "Communication is a key element in any successful relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The triggers are a key element in American contingency plans.

The New Yorker

"And the platform was a key element in that".

The New York Times

They are a key element in our world-class universities.

The Guardian

Industrialisation is a key element in much of Asia.

The Guardian

And that is a key element in the eurozone drama.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's certainly a key element in the modernizing of our entire system".

The New York Times

No Smoking Day is a key element in efforts to bring down smoking rates even further.

The Guardian

The key element in all fiction is conflict, and guilt is a battlefield.

The Guardian - Books

It meshes with the previous point and is a key element in Apple's execution process.

The Guardian - Tech

Americium, which is the key element in smoke detectors, is supposedly a fissile material.

The New Yorker

"Great storytelling is the key element in any medium," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "key element in" to emphasize the indispensable role of something within a larger context. This phrase adds weight to your argument and highlights what is truly essential.

Common error

Avoid using "key element in" excessively, as it can weaken the impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "essential component of" or "vital aspect of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key element in" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase to emphasize its importance or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key element in" is a versatile and widely used expression to emphasize the importance of something within a specific context. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various types of writing. With a neutral register, it is suitable for both formal and informal communication, though primarily found in news, media, and scientific sources. When using "key element in", ensure that it truly represents something indispensable and consider varying your language with synonyms to avoid redundancy. Be sure to explore essential component of, vital aspect of, or crucial factor in for more nuanced options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential component of

Focuses more on the part being a necessary component.

vital aspect of

Emphasizes the importance of the element as an aspect.

crucial factor in

Highlights the element's role as a determining factor.

significant part of

Indicates the element's notable contribution to the whole.

integral feature of

Stresses the element being an essential and inherent characteristic.

fundamental aspect of

Underscores the basic and foundational nature of the element.

cornerstone of

Highlights the element as the primary basis or foundation.

central to

Focuses on the element being at the heart or core of something.

critical for

Emphasizes the element's importance for achieving a specific outcome.

major player in

Highlights the element's prominent role or influence.

FAQs

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

Use "key element in" to highlight the importance of something within a specific context. For example, "Communication is a "key element in" any successful relationship".

What are some alternatives to "key element in"?

You can use alternatives like "essential component of", "vital aspect of", or "crucial factor in" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "key element in" or "important element in"?

"Key element in" emphasizes the necessity and indispensability of something, whereas "important element in" simply indicates significance. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "key element in" and "fundamental element in"?

"Key element in" suggests something is essential for a specific purpose or outcome, while "fundamental element in" implies it's a basic and foundational part of something.