key term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key term" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a significant or essential word or phrase in a sentence, usually one that is important to understanding or discussing the topic at hand. Example: In order to fully grasp the concept of supply and demand, it is essential to understand the key terms "supply" and "demand" and how they relate to each other in the market.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the key term is "follow-up".

The New York Times

"That's isn't the key term.

The New York Times - Sports

The key term here is "well-meaning".

The New York Times - Books

The key term here is "systems".

The Guardian

Key term for my purposes: "wordless".

The New Yorker

"It's important to stress that one key term: "Day One".

The Guardian - Tech

The key term here is "could be causing".

The Guardian

The key term there is the parenthetical "nondeflected".

The New York Times

His key term now was "hermeneutics", meaning the art of interpretation.

The Guardian

(A key term is "proper": what we need is "proper" conservatism, not Cameron's lot).

The Guardian - Books

Riddle, however, dictated the terms, and one key term appeared to heavily favor his horse.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a "key term", provide a clear and concise definition to ensure the audience understands its specific meaning within the context.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using the phrase "key term" without adequately explaining why the term is important or how it relates to the broader topic. Provide sufficient context and analysis to justify its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key term" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify a significant or essential word or phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and commonly used. It serves to highlight terms crucial for understanding a specific context, idea, or subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key term" is a commonly used noun phrase that serves to highlight the importance of a specific word or phrase within a given context. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across various domains, including academia, news, and science. When using "key term", it's essential to provide clear definitions and sufficient context to ensure the audience understands its significance. Alternatives like "important concept" or "essential element" can be used for variety. Remember that while the phrase is versatile, providing context remains crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core concept

Emphasizes the centrality of the term to a specific subject.

central idea

Shifts the focus from the term to the concept it represents.

important concept

Focuses on the significance of the idea, rather than the term itself.

critical aspect

Underscores the importance of the term within a larger framework.

essential element

Highlights the necessity of the term in a broader context.

significant factor

Indicates the term's influence or impact.

fundamental principle

Stresses the foundational nature of the term.

relevant point

Highlights the term's pertinence to a particular discussion or analysis.

primary definition

Highlights the main meaning of the term.

noteworthy item

Emphasizes the term's deservingness of attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "key term" to introduce an important word or phrase that needs explanation. For example, "A "key term" in this discussion is 'sustainability', which refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

What are some alternatives to saying "key term"?

Instead of "key term", you can use phrases like "important concept", "essential element", or "core concept" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "key term definition"?

While not strictly redundant, "key term definition" can often be simplified to just "definition" if the context already establishes that you are referring to a significant term. You could also rephrase it to be more specific, such as "definition of this important concept".

How do I identify "key term"s in a text?

Key terms are often words or phrases that are central to the main argument or topic of the text. They are frequently used and are essential for understanding the text's meaning. Look for terms that the author defines explicitly or implicitly emphasizes throughout the text.