key sector

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key sector" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or essential area of an economy, industry, or field of study. Example: "The technology sector is a key sector driving innovation and economic growth in today's world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Agriculture is a key sector in which unfair treatment flourishes.

The Guardian

"It's a key sector of competition you'd want to understand better.

The Guardian

The third condition is a botched reform of a key sector of the economy.

The Guardian - Business

We maintain our buy recommendation, 158p target price and key sector pick stance.

The Guardian - Business

True, tourism, a key sector in Spain, should get a boost.

The Economist

Food security and agriculture are being put forward by many as a key sector on which the summit could focus.

The Guardian

The article said "coal gasification is expected to be a key sector in the country's clean energy initiative".

The New York Times

"Tourism has developed into the key sector of the economy," said Arna Ugljen, a spokeswoman for the Tourism Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The New York Times

He says he met Spanish MEPs "on various occasions" to explain the impact the directive would have on a "key" sector for Spain.

The Guardian

The president of the European commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, transferred Hill's responsibilities to Latvia's commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, depriving the UK of influence in a key sector.

The Guardian

The effect on tourism, a key sector of the Thai economy, could be disastrous, especially as American and European travelers make plans to flee the winter back home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "key sector", be specific about its importance and the reasons why it is considered essential to the overall system or economy.

Common error

Avoid using "key sector" too loosely. Ensure that the sector you are referring to genuinely holds significant influence and impact within the described context. Substantiate your claim with evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key sector" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies and characterizes a particular segment of an economy or industry as being of significant importance, similar to examples shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key sector" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term for identifying important areas within an economy or industry. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts. Alternatives such as "vital industry" or "critical area" can be used to provide variety. When using the phrase, ensure that the sector's significance is clearly substantiated with supporting evidence. The phrase's prevalence across diverse sources underscores its relevance in contemporary discussions about economic and industrial landscapes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vital industry

Emphasizes the indispensable nature of the sector.

critical area

Highlights the importance of the sector as a crucial component.

essential segment

Stresses the fundamental role of the sector.

important domain

Focuses on the sector as a significant field of activity.

major component

Indicates the sector's substantial contribution to a larger system.

strategic segment

Highlights the sector's importance for achieving strategic goals.

significant area

Emphasizes the notable impact of the sector.

primary industry

Focuses on the sector as a leading force in economic activity.

core element

Stresses the sector's fundamental role.

fundamental part

Highlights sector as the base and crucial part of the entire activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "key sector" to identify a particularly important industry or area of the economy. For example: "Tourism is a "key sector" of the country's economy."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "key sector"?

You can use alternatives like "vital industry", "critical area", or "essential segment" depending on the specific context.

What makes a sector a "key sector"?

A "key sector" is one that has a significant impact on the overall economy, industry, or system. It often drives growth, innovation, or provides essential services.

Is it appropriate to use "key sector" in formal writing?

Yes, "key sector" is appropriate for formal writing. It is commonly used in business, academic, and news contexts to describe important areas of the economy or industry.