key event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant occurrence or moment that has a major impact on a situation or outcome. Example: "The signing of the peace treaty was a key event in the history of the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

His music was a key event in my life.

The Guardian - Music

Nor did Davis mention another key event that day.

The New York Times

One more key event was to follow in 1948.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Following a liveblog will send you a notification when a key event happens in that story.

The Guardian

I think it's best I decline the invitation to the key event and curtail my visit".

The Guardian - Music

Then the single key event that sent the economic world into a tailspin - Lehman went bust.

The Guardian - Business

The key event took place there: already 37, he saw the work of Caravaggio.

The New York Times - Arts

Updated at 2.44pm GMT 2.42pm GMT Key event The RBS press conference is underway!

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's kind of a low-key event for an athlete of Kikkan's caliber," Bodensteiner said.

The New York Times - Sports

In the context of haute couture week, this is a very low-key event.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At first glance, it seems like a relatively normal, even low-key, event.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "key event", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the event is significant. Providing specific details about its impact can enhance clarity and strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid labeling every event as a "key event". Reserve this term for occurrences that genuinely have a substantial impact on the overall narrative or situation. Overuse diminishes its importance and can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key event" functions as a noun phrase, where "key" modifies "event". It identifies a specific occurrence that is of utmost importance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable, highlighting its role in emphasizing the significance of an occurrence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key event" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote significant occurrences. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to emphasize importance in various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for diverse audiences, remember to reserve it for events of genuine consequence to avoid diluting its impact. Related phrases like "significant occurrence" or "crucial moment" can offer nuanced alternatives. The phrase appears frequently in Science and News & Media, cementing its place in formal and informational discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant occurrence

Replaces 'key' with 'significant' and 'event' with 'occurrence', emphasizing the noteworthiness of the event.

crucial moment

Substitutes 'key' with 'crucial' and 'event' with 'moment', highlighting the decisiveness of the event.

pivotal incident

Replaces 'key' with 'pivotal' and 'event' with 'incident', stressing the turning-point nature of the event.

major happening

Uses 'major' instead of 'key' and 'happening' in place of 'event', focusing on the large scale of the occurrence.

central episode

Replaces 'key' with 'central' and 'event' with 'episode', denoting the core nature within a series of events.

critical juncture

Replaces 'key event' with 'critical juncture', indicating a decisive point in time.

important development

Replaces 'key' with 'important' and 'event' with 'development', highlighting the significance in terms of progress or change.

notable occurrence

Replaces 'key' with 'notable' and 'event' with 'occurrence', emphasizing the event's prominence.

essential milestone

Replaces 'key' with 'essential' and 'event' with 'milestone', denoting the event as a necessary step in a progression.

fundamental turning point

Substitutes "key event" with "fundamental turning point" which emphasizes the transformative nature of the event.

FAQs

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

Use "key event" to highlight a pivotal occurrence. For example, "The discovery of penicillin was a "key event" in medical history".

What are some alternatives to "key event"?

Alternatives include "significant occurrence", "crucial moment", or "pivotal incident". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes a "key event" from a regular event?

A "key event" is distinguished by its significant impact and consequences, whereas a regular event may be just a routine happening. The former shapes subsequent actions, outcomes or conditions in a notable way.

Is it appropriate to use "key event" in informal writing?

While "key event" is generally suitable for formal and neutral contexts like news or academic papers, it might sound overly formal in casual or informal writing. Consider using a more relaxed term depending on the tone you want to convey.