key item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key item" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or essential element in a discussion, list, or analysis. Example: "The key item on our agenda today is the budget review for the upcoming quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The key item?

The Guardian

The key item on the agenda was expected to be the international match calendar.

The Guardian - Sport

One key item of furniture in the house is a long unfinished oak trestle table.

The New York Times

But I doubt it.Investment is another key item on the agenda.

The Economist

The blouse is a key item in these New York shows.

The New York Times

The "diamond" - actually made of polished steel and chromium - is a key item in Christie's auction of contemporary art.

The Guardian

But if we could recommend splurging on one key item, it's got to be the Adidas Copa Mundial boots.

Independent

One key item still on the agenda: a vote on Susan Collins and Joe Lieberman's stand-alone bill to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell.

The New Yorker

Bananas are a key item for supermarkets and subject to price wars, which has resulted in them becoming loss leaders for many large supermarkets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Few things are more annoying than to order a dish mostly because it has "ingredient X" only to have the dish delivered sans the key item.

The New York Times

A circle skirt to the knee, given volume by pleats or folds, and accented with a wide belt or waistband, was a key item in many collections.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "key item" to specifically highlight an element that is indispensable or of utmost importance to the context you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "key item" excessively; vary your language by using alternatives like "essential element" or "crucial component" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key item" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a specific element that is essential or of high importance within a given context. As shown in the Ludwig examples, key item points out crucial things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key item" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase for highlighting essential elements across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While versatile, diversifying your language with alternatives like "essential element" or "crucial component" can enhance your writing. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media and Science, indicating its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential element

Focuses on the element being absolutely necessary.

crucial component

Highlights the component's critical role in the overall system or process.

vital aspect

Emphasizes the importance of the aspect being discussed.

important factor

Stresses the significance of the factor in influencing an outcome.

principal element

Indicates the element is primary or of highest importance.

major point

Highlights the main point or idea being conveyed.

critical detail

Emphasizes that the detail is crucial for understanding or completion.

significant aspect

Highlights the noticeable or consequential aspect.

central feature

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

primary concern

Highlights the main worry or area of focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "key item" to refer to something essential or important. For example: "The "key item" on the agenda is the budget review."

What can I say instead of "key item"?

You can use alternatives like "essential element", "crucial component", or "vital aspect" depending on the context.

Is "key item" formal or informal?

"Key item" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or business writing.

What makes something a "key item"?

A "key item" is something considered essential, critical, or of primary importance in a given situation or context. It's a focal point that significantly impacts the overall outcome or understanding.