key note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key note" is not correct in this context; it should be "keynote." You can use "keynote" when referring to a main or central theme, especially in speeches or presentations.
Example: "The keynote address at the conference focused on the importance of sustainability in business practices."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

There is no key note.

The New York Times

"There is no key note," he said.

The Guardian - Music

This is a key note for all keynote speakers.

The New Yorker

It was "the key note to the whole day".

The New York Times

A general peevishness is the dominant, ultimately monotonous key note of the performance.

The New York Times

It was tricksy, tricked-out American sportswear, which is becoming something of a key note of New York fashion Week (hopefully, not a one-note key note).

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

There was not an off-key note in the entire dish.

The New York Times

Kaye infuses every off-key note and stiff gesture of her excruciating arias with deep feeling.

The New Yorker

This forced literary reference, which runs through the movie, is its one glaringly off-key note.

The New York Times

This funny novel, most successful in Curtis's absurd and playful moments, ends on a disturbing, off-key note.

The New York Times - Books

I was like the cellist with perfect pitch who was crippled by the mere thought of an off-key note in Mark Salzman's novel "The Soloist".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the central theme or a featured speech at a conference, use "keynote" as one word. For example, "The keynote speaker addressed the audience."

Common error

Avoid separating compound words like "keynote" into two words ("key note"). This changes the meaning and is grammatically incorrect in most contexts where "keynote" is intended. While "key" and "note" can exist separately, their combination as "keynote" has a specific meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key note" functions as a noun phrase when incorrectly separated, but it is often intended to function as a compound noun or adjective modifying another noun. As Ludwig AI states, the correct term is "keynote".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "key note" appears in numerous sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as typically incorrect. The intended term is usually "keynote", a single word referring to a central theme or prominent speech. The analysis shows it's frequently used in news, science, and business contexts. When writing, ensure you use "keynote" as one word to avoid grammatical errors. Alternatives like "main theme" or "central idea" can be used depending on the specific context. This distinction is important for maintaining clarity and credibility in writing. Understanding the difference can help avoid common writing pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main theme

Focuses on the central idea or subject, differing by emphasizing the overarching topic rather than a specific element.

central idea

Highlights the core concept, differing by being more general and less specific than a note or point.

main point

Emphasizes a specific idea of primary importance, differing by focusing on a distinct element within a larger context.

crucial aspect

Focuses on an essential element or feature, differing by highlighting importance rather than centrality.

significant element

Highlights an important component, differing by emphasizing the part's relevance rather than its thematic role.

pivotal factor

Emphasizes a decisive element, differing by highlighting its impact on a specific outcome.

cornerstone

Highlights the foundational element upon which something is built, differing by emphasizing its role as a base.

underlying principle

Highlights the foundational rule or concept, differing by being more abstract and less concrete.

guiding principle

Emphasizes a rule that directs action or thought, differing by focusing on direction rather than essence.

essential ingredient

Highlights a necessary component, differing by emphasizing its contribution to a complete outcome.

FAQs

What does "keynote" mean as one word?

The term "keynote" refers to a central theme or principle, often used to describe a speech or presentation that sets the tone for an event. It can also describe the most important part of something.

How do I use "keynote" correctly in a sentence?

Use "keynote" as a single word to describe a central theme or a featured speech. For example, "The "keynote address" highlighted the importance of innovation."

Is it ever correct to use "key" and "note" separately?

Yes, "key" and "note" can be used separately when referring to a musical key and a specific note, as in "The "key note" of the song was C major." However, this is a different meaning from the compound word "keynote."

What are some synonyms for "keynote" when referring to a speech?

Synonyms for "keynote" in the context of a speech include "featured address", "plenary speech", or "opening address" depending on the context.