key steps are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key steps are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when outlining important actions or stages in a process or plan. Example: "The key steps are to identify the problem, gather data, and analyze the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

In Nikiya's opening solo, key steps are simplified.

Independent

In cell migration, the two key steps are FA formation (assembly) and disassembly.

Nature

Process design and development of drug candidates using cross-coupling reactions as key steps are discussed.

Journal of Organometallic Chemistry

Two key steps are included: the determination of these so-called contribution modes and the estimation of their combinational coefficients.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Key steps are demonstrated, including data preparation, options setting, data exploration, model building, model validation and interpretation, and spatial prediction.

Ecological Modelling

Two key steps are miniaturisation – making a bomb small enough to fit on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) – and perfecting the latter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

As the scheduling problems are formulated, one of the key steps is to identify the meta-algorithm of scheduling heuristics.

Complex & Intelligent Systems

To generate recommendations, one of the key steps is to calculate similarities/correlations among the item pairs.

Data Science and Engineering

Here are the key steps being taken on land, in the water and in the air in the biggest peacetime security operation the UK has seen.

BBC

In this method, the physical disruption and chemical lysis steps were combined, and some parameters in the key steps were adjusted.

AMB Express

Three key steps were taken to pilot the survey instrument.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a process, use "key steps are" to clearly introduce the most important actions required for success.

Common error

Avoid using overly general descriptions after "key steps are". Be specific about the actions involved to provide clear and actionable guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key steps are" functions as an introductory phrase, typically preceding a list or explanation of essential actions or procedures. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound way to introduce important aspects of a process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "key steps are" is a grammatically correct and commonly used introductory phrase to highlight essential actions or procedures. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It is particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity in outlining the subsequent actions for maximum effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential stages involve

Replaces "steps" with "stages" and uses "involve" to indicate inclusion.

fundamental actions consist of

Substitutes "key" with "fundamental" and "steps" with "actions", using "consist of" to denote the components.

critical phases encompass

Changes "steps" to "phases" and uses "encompass" to suggest inclusion of various aspects.

important measures include

Replaces "steps" with "measures", focusing on specific actions taken.

necessary procedures entail

Substitutes "steps" with "procedures", emphasizing a structured sequence of actions.

significant elements comprise

Changes "steps" to "elements" and uses "comprise" to highlight the components.

vital components are

Replaces "key steps" with "vital components", emphasizing the essential nature of each part.

principal tasks involve

Substitutes "steps" with "tasks", focusing on specific duties to be performed.

major actions are

Replaces "key" with "major", emphasizing the importance of the actions.

primary requirements consist of

Changes "steps" to "requirements", focusing on the necessary conditions or criteria.

FAQs

How can I use "key steps are" in a sentence?

Use "key steps are" to introduce a list of essential actions or stages in a process, for example: "The "key steps are" to plan, execute, and evaluate the project".

What can I say instead of "key steps are"?

You can use alternatives like "essential stages involve", "fundamental actions consist of", or "critical phases encompass" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "key steps are" or "important steps are"?

"Key steps are" emphasizes the most vital actions, while "important steps are" can include actions that are significant but not necessarily crucial. The choice depends on the degree of importance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "key steps are" and "main steps are"?

"Key steps are" focuses on actions that are both important and fundamental to success, whereas "main steps are" simply highlights the primary actions without necessarily implying their critical nature.