key man

USAGE SUMMARY

'key man' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to a person who is considered to be particularly important or influential in a particular organization or area of activity. For example, "John is our key man in the accounting department; everyone looks to him for guidance and advice on financial matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Key man?

The Guardian - Sport

Key man: Graeme Souness.

The Guardian - Sport

Key man: Clive Walker.

The Guardian - Sport

Key man Paul Deacon.

The Guardian - Sport

Key man The physio.

The Guardian - Sport

Key man: Referee Clive Thomas.

The Guardian - Sport

The key man: Jimmy Gordon.

The Guardian - Sport

A key man in this second half.

The Guardian - Sport

Bell once again the key man.

The Guardian - Sport

The key man for me will undoubtedly be Ozil though.

Independent

Orr has been the key man in the Bruins' resurgence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key man", ensure the context clearly establishes why the person is crucial. Specificity enhances the impact.

Common error

Avoid casually labeling someone as the "key man" without providing concrete examples of their contributions or unique value. Substantiate the claim with evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key man" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive, identifying an individual deemed critically important within a specific context. Ludwig shows several instances where it highlights an individual's central role. It is used to attribute significance to an individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key man" is a common and generally grammatically correct term used to describe an individual who is critically important to an organization, project, or team. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While widely understood, it's best practice to use the phrase judiciously and provide clear justification for why the person is considered the "key man". Alternatives like "essential person" or "pivotal player" may be suitable in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential person

Replaces "key" with "essential", emphasizing the necessity of the person.

indispensable individual

Highlights the irreplaceable nature of the person.

main figure

Focuses on the person's central role.

pivotal player

Emphasizes the person's role in a team or organization.

go-to person

Highlights the person's accessibility and expertise.

linchpin

This alternative suggests that the person is crucial for holding everything together.

chief architect

Emphasizes the person's role in creating or planning something significant.

driving force

Highlights the person's energy and initiative.

leading light

Suggests the person is an inspiration or role model.

mastermind

Highlights the person's intelligence and strategic thinking.

FAQs

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

You can use "key man" to describe someone essential to a team, project, or organization. For instance, "The success of the project hinged on John, who was the "key man"."

What are some alternatives to "key man"?

Consider using "essential person", "indispensable individual", or "pivotal player" as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "key man" in a formal setting?

While "key man" is widely understood, in very formal or sensitive contexts, alternatives like "essential person" or "pivotal figure" might be perceived as more professional.

What does it mean when someone is described as a "key man" in business?

In a business context, "key man" typically refers to an employee whose contributions are crucial to the company's success, such as a top salesperson, a lead engineer, or a senior executive.