key indicators

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key indicators" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to metrics or markers used to measure an organization's performance or progress. For example, "The company reviewed its key indicators for the quarter and saw that sales were up 10%."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For the layman, operating profits are key indicators of the health of a business.

The Guardian - Business

None of the 20 key indicators were rated as "green" in its 20 year-plus forecast.

The Guardian

This is done by monitoring four key indicators: blood pressure, pulse, sweating and tearing (eye watering).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Because of that, two key indicators were falling – unemployment and the deficit.

The Guardian - Opinion

The World Health Organization calls cholera "one of the key indicators of social development".

The New Yorker

Key indicators suggest that this is only the beginning for millennials who identify as old.

The New Yorker

The Devon project targets three key indicators: water storage, flood attenuation and water quality.

The Guardian

The first-half results show sustained improvement across a broad range of key indicators".

The Guardian - Business

But the report's authors, Rachel K. Jones and Jenna Jerman, point to some key indicators.

The New Yorker

Four key indicators were measured; direct market size, number of jobs created, cost savings and efficiency gains.

The Guardian

Key indicators reflect an improvement in corporate culture, employee morale, staff retention and an increase in creativity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key indicators", ensure that the indicators are clearly defined and measurable. This provides a solid foundation for accurate assessment and decision-making.

Common error

Avoid selecting "key indicators" without carefully considering their relevance to the specific context or goal. Irrelevant indicators can lead to misinterpretations and flawed conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key indicators" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to a set of metrics used for assessment or evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key indicators" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term for identifying crucial metrics for assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across diverse fields. It functions as a noun phrase, serving to highlight essential factors impacting outcomes. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for various contexts. Usage patterns indicate frequent appearances in news, scientific, and business publications. When employing "key indicators", clearly define them and relate them to the specific context to ensure accurate interpretation and effective decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential metrics

Replaces "indicators" with "metrics", emphasizing quantifiable measurements.

performance metrics

Replaces "key indicators" with a phrase directly related to performance measurement in a business context.

primary benchmarks

Substitutes "indicators" with "benchmarks", highlighting standard points of reference for evaluation.

crucial factors

Replaces "indicators" with "factors", emphasizing elements that contribute to a result.

significant indices

Substitutes "indicators" with "indices", emphasizing quantifiable values used to represent a larger trend.

vital signs

Replaces "indicators" with "vital signs", drawing a parallel to health and well-being.

leading signals

Substitutes "indicators" with "signals", emphasizing predictive quality.

principal determinants

Replaces "indicators" with "determinants", highlighting the factors that decisively affect an outcome.

core measures

Substitutes "indicators" with "measures", emphasizing the act of assessing or quantifying.

diagnostic tools

Replaces "indicators" with "tools", highlighting the use of these indicators for assessment and understanding.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "key indicators" in a business report?

When incorporating "key indicators" into a business report, ensure each indicator is clearly defined, measurable, and directly linked to the report's objectives. Present the data concisely, using visuals like charts and graphs to illustrate trends. Compare results against established benchmarks and explain any variances. Provide context and interpretation to highlight the significance of the findings and offer actionable recommendations based on the analysis.

What are some alternatives to "key indicators"?

You can use alternatives like "essential metrics", "primary benchmarks", or "crucial factors" depending on the context.

How do "key indicators" differ from regular indicators?

"Key indicators" are specifically chosen for their significant impact and ability to reflect the overall health or progress of a system or process. Regular indicators might offer additional data points, but "key indicators" provide the most crucial insights for decision-making and strategic planning.

What makes an indicator a "key indicator"?

A "key indicator" is characterized by its ability to accurately reflect the overall performance or status of a system, its relevance to strategic goals, and its measurability. "Key indicators" are often predictive, providing insights into future trends and helping decision-makers take proactive measures. They should also be easily understandable and actionable.