key indicator

USAGE SUMMARY

'key indicator' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a metric or measure which is important or influential in understanding an overall trend or situation. For example, "The unemployment rate is a key indicator of economic stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The key indicator of miasma was stench.

The New Yorker

Early voting has long been a key indicator in Florida.

The Guardian

A key indicator of Broadway's health is advance sales.

The New York Times

Blood pressure is a key indicator of cardiovascular health.

Harvard University

The key indicator to watch is the value of the dollar.

The New York Times

Fincher's beautifully crafted title sequences are another key indicator of his dedication.

The Guardian - Film

UBS's wealth management arm won Sfr19bn in net new money, a key indicator for future revenue.

The Guardian - Business

One key indicator of arrogance (or over-confidence) is the use of too many 'I's".

The Guardian

The key indicator is the market share figures, but these have not yet been made public.

The Guardian - Film

The key indicator will be whom she appoints to her economic team".

The New York Times

According to Mr. Miller, the key indicator to watch in the coming months is Manhattan's inventory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key indicator", ensure that the context clearly establishes what it indicates and why it is significant. For example, specify the system or area being measured.

Common error

Avoid presenting every indicator as a "key indicator". Overusing the term diminishes its impact. Reserve it for truly pivotal metrics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key indicator" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or an appositive. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it identifies crucial metrics in various fields. It acts to name and classify a particular element as fundamentally important.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key indicator" is a widely used and grammatically sound term for highlighting significant metrics or factors in various fields. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media, academic writing, and scientific contexts. The phrase's purpose is to emphasize the importance of a specific measure, guiding understanding and decision-making. While the phrase is versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse and ensure the context clearly establishes its significance. Consider alternatives like "crucial metric" or "essential gauge" to maintain variety and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crucial metric

Replaces "indicator" with "metric", emphasizing quantitative measurement; "crucial" instead of "key" shifts the emphasis toward critical importance.

essential gauge

"Gauge" is used instead of "indicator", implying a tool for measurement; "essential" highlights the necessity of the indicator.

pivotal sign

"Sign" replaces "indicator", suggesting a signal or omen; "pivotal" emphasizes the turning-point nature of the indicator.

critical signal

Replaces "indicator" with "signal", implying a piece of information that conveys a message; "critical" highlights the importance of the signal.

significant marker

"Marker" is used instead of "indicator", suggesting a point of reference; "significant" emphasizes the importance of the marker.

primary measure

Using "measure" instead of "indicator" suggests an instrument of measurement; "primary" emphasizes the fundamental nature of the indicator.

leading index

"Index" replaces "indicator", implying a composite measure; "leading" indicates that the index is predictive.

vital statistic

"Statistic" is used instead of "indicator", emphasizing numerical data; "vital" highlights the essential nature of the statistic.

telling sign

"Telling sign" implies the sign is revealing or informative about the overall trend or situation, with a nuance of being implicitly revealing.

important factor

"Factor" broadly suggests an element contributing to a result or situation, used in place of the more specific term "indicator".

FAQs

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

Use "key indicator" to point out a crucial factor that reflects the state or progress of something. For example, "Consumer spending is a "key indicator" of economic health."

What are some alternatives to "key indicator"?

You can use alternatives like "crucial metric", "essential gauge", or "pivotal sign" depending on the specific context.

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

A ""key indicator"" is not just any measure but a particularly important or representative one. It's a signal that is highly telling or predictive. A regular indicator might be just one of many data points.

In what contexts is the phrase "key indicator" most appropriate?

The phrase ""key indicator"" is appropriate when discussing economics, health, business, or any field where specific metrics are used to assess overall performance or condition. It's especially useful when you need to highlight the most important factors.