key qualification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key qualification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an essential skill or attribute that is necessary for a particular role or task. Example: "The key qualification for this job is a strong background in data analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Since the World Bank's founding, it has been thought that close ties to rich-country bankers and capital markets was a key qualification.

The Guardian - Opinion

The statement from the NT board about Norris's appointment referred to his being able to match the "generosity of spirit" that Hytner had shown, and this is probably the key qualification for the position.

The Guardian

The earl marshal, lord great chamberlain and lord steward have to attend to the sovereign's well-being and look presentable in scarlet; the key qualification for mistress of the robes is not good dress sense but marriage to a duke; the equerries, gentlemen ushers and ladies of the bedchamber are all aristocrats and retired colonels.

The Guardian

She goes, "Pouff!" when I say so, batting the compliment away with a flick of the wrist, but she is neither an economist, nor even really a politician – she spent just six years of her career as a minister in France – so I wonder if charm is actually the key qualification for the job.

The Guardian

The former cabinet secretary, who said he would take to the airwaves as soon as the polls closed on Thursday night to remind politicians of the guidelines laid down in the cabinet manual, told the Today programme that the key qualification to enter No 10 was the ability to command the confidence of the House of Commons.

The Guardian

When the BJP and other parties chose their candidates, caste was a key qualification.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"If you look at the history, we have seen persistent grade inflation for these key qualifications for at least a decade," she said.

The Guardian

Key Qualifications An effective advocate, Dr. Smith said, has to be "knowledgeable, committed and aggressive — forceful in a positive way and a good listener".

The New York Times - Health

One of the key qualifications the N.H.L was looking for in a new owner was a commitment to keep the team in Buffalo.

The New York Times - Sports

She told the Sunday Telegraph: "If you look at the history, we have seen persistent grade inflation for these key qualifications for at least a decade.

The Guardian

In fact, if you look back over the successful attorneys general (and there aren't many of them), you see that they tended to possess two key qualifications: They were members of both the political and legal establishments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing job requirements, use "key qualification" to emphasize the most important skills or experiences needed for a role. This helps candidates quickly understand the priorities.

Common error

Avoid listing only generic terms like "good communication skills" as a "key qualification". Instead, specify how those skills will be used and why they are essential for the position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key qualification" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "key" modifies the noun "qualification". It identifies a specific attribute, skill, or experience that is considered essential or of utmost importance. Ludwig AI confirms that "key qualification" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key qualification" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term that emphasizes the most important skills, attributes, or experiences needed for a specific role, task, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms this. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to be specific about what makes the qualification "key" and avoid vague descriptions. Alternatives include "essential attribute" or "primary requirement", depending on the desired nuance. Prioritize clarity and relevance when using "key qualification" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential attribute

Replaces "qualification" with "attribute", highlighting a quality or characteristic.

primary requirement

Substitutes "qualification" with "requirement", emphasizing a necessity.

critical competency

Replaces "qualification" with "competency", focusing on a specific skill.

major prerequisite

Uses "prerequisite" instead of "qualification", indicating something that is required beforehand.

fundamental criterion

Replaces "qualification" with "criterion", indicating a standard for judgement.

vital necessity

Emphasizes the importance of the qualification by using "vital necessity".

chief characteristic

Highlights the quality or feature that makes something recognizable.

defining trait

Focuses on a specific aspect that is particularly important.

core skill

Highlights skill as qualification, focusing on a skill and its core importance.

essential talent

Uses "talent" instead of "qualification", indicating a natural aptitude or skill.

FAQs

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

You can use "key qualification" to highlight the most important skills or experiences needed for a specific role. For example, "Project management experience is a "key qualification" for this position".

What is a synonym for "key qualification"?

Synonyms for "key qualification" include "essential attribute", "primary requirement", or "critical competency". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "key qualification" or "essential qualification"?

Both "key qualification" and "essential qualification" are correct and can be used interchangeably. "Key" emphasizes importance, while "essential" stresses necessity. Choose the word that best fits the tone and context.

What makes a qualification "key"?

A qualification is considered "key" when it is among the most important requirements for a specific job, task, or goal. It directly contributes to success and distinguishes qualified candidates or approaches from others.