key for success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'key for success' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the thing or things that will bring success to something. For example: "Finding the right people is the key for success in the business world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

At a conference recently, one of the keynote speakers (a wildly successful female entrep) shared her key for success, simply this: "If you doubt yourself you're screwed".

Huffington Post

"The key for success this season is improving in away matches.

The Guardian - Sport

A player like Modric is a treasure for any team but togetherness is the key for success; not only in football, but in life".

The Guardian - Sport

"It's hard to plan, you can't say what the key for success in the overall is," said Riesch, who turned 26 Wednesday.

The New York Times

"Broad support for [bailout deal] and sticking to commitments will be key for success," Annika Breidthardt, a European Commission spokeswoman, said in a tweet.

Independent

David Moyes' side will be looking to close the gap on the top four, as the Scottish manager appears to be edging towards the key for success at United.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

In so doing, transient behavior is one of the keys for success of fuel cell systems in vehicles.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Knowledge is necessary to spread all over the technical world both the reasons of failures and the keys for success.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

Deeply embedded from the collectivist cultural background, guanxi, or "knowing the right people," is one of the keys for success in China (Zhuang, Xi, and Tsang, 2010).

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

The key factor for success, however, remains run offense and run defense.

The New York Times - Sports

At the London workshop, a number of brand-representatives stressed key factors for success in achieving the living wage.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing multiple factors, consider using "keys to success" instead of "key for success" for greater accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "key for success" when referring to abstract concepts like happiness. It's more appropriate for tangible goals or projects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key for success" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a crucial element or factor that is essential for achieving a desired outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key for success" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight the crucial element for achieving a specific objective. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples shows that it's commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. While versatile, it's most effective when referring to tangible goals or projects and is generally considered neutral in tone, leaning towards professional. For greater accuracy, it is advisable to use "keys for success" when discussing multiple contributing factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recipe for success

Replaces "key" with "recipe", implying a set of ingredients or steps needed for success.

formula for success

Substitutes "key" with "formula", suggesting a precise method or plan.

secret to success

Replaces "key" with "secret", highlighting a hidden or less obvious element.

pathway to success

Changes "key" to "pathway", emphasizing the journey or route towards success.

avenue to success

Similar to pathway, but highlights the opportunity for advancement.

road to success

Emphasizes the journey and the work involved in achieving success.

cornerstone of success

Replaces "key" with "cornerstone", indicating a fundamental or essential element.

foundation for success

Similar to cornerstone, emphasizing the base upon which success is built.

building blocks of success

Emphasizes the incremental components that contribute to overall success.

essential ingredient for success

Highlights a necessary component, similar to a recipe.

FAQs

How can I use "key for success" in a sentence?

You can use "key for success" to emphasize a crucial element needed to achieve a specific goal. For example, "Teamwork is the "key for success" in this project".

What can I say instead of "key for success"?

You can use alternatives like "recipe for success", "formula for success", or "secret to success" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "key for success" or "keys for success"?

"Key for success" is suitable when referring to a single, primary factor. "Keys for success" is appropriate when discussing multiple contributing elements.

What's the difference between "key for success" and "fundamental for success"?

"Key for success" highlights a crucial element, while "fundamental for success" ("fundamental key for success") emphasizes foundational elements. A key may be a specific strategy, while a fundamental is a basic principle.