key text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or central piece of writing that is essential for understanding a topic or subject matter. Example: "In our discussion about the novel, the key text we will analyze is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The key text is the Gospel of Mary.

The New Yorker

And Benigni's Oscar-winning film is the key text.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it hasn't dated: this is a key text for the Black Lives Matter movement.

The Guardian - Film

Blowup remains a key text of the 1960s, the decade which felt experience was for snatching.

The Guardian - Film

"Etiquette," she claims, is a key text in the history of American democracy.

The New Yorker

But the key text is James Boswell's magisterial Life of Samuel Johnson (1791).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Elements of Argumentation will surely be its key text for the foreseeable future.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I haven't performed a deep homophone analysis on this key text yet, but am guessing it's the former.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His thesis, Guns and Rain - Guerrillas and Spirit Mediums in Zimbabwe, is now a key text for anthropologists.

The Guardian

His son, Michael, translated Kandinsky's Concerning the Spiritual in Art in 1914, a key text in the history of modernism.

The Guardian

The book went on to become a key text in art history education into the 21st century.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific text that is fundamental to a particular field or study, use "key text" to highlight its importance. For instance, "Elements of Statistical Learning" is a "key text" in modern data analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "key text" too broadly. It is best reserved for instances where the text genuinely holds significant importance or influence. Otherwise, opt for more general terms like "relevant article" or "important reading."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key text" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object to identify a particularly important or influential written work. Ludwig examples demonstrate its role in specifying seminal texts across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key text" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an essential piece of writing for understanding a specific topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various domains, including News & Media and Academia, denoting its versatility and acceptance. While alternatives like "primary text" or "essential text" exist, "key text" effectively highlights the document's importance. It's crucial to reserve its use for texts that genuinely hold significant influence to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary text

Replaces 'key' with 'primary', emphasizing the fundamental nature of the text.

essential text

Substitutes 'key' with 'essential', highlighting the necessity of the text.

pivotal text

Replaces 'key' with 'pivotal', focusing on the text's crucial role.

core text

Replaces 'key' with 'core', suggesting the text is central to a subject.

instrumental text

Replaces 'key' with 'instrumental', emphasizing text's importance as a tool.

landmark text

Replaces 'key' with 'landmark', highlighting text's importance and influence.

seminal work

Replaces 'key text' with 'seminal work', focusing on its groundbreaking nature.

foundational document

Shifts the focus to the text being a basis for something else, often for arguments or decisions.

important document

A more general alternative, focusing on the significance of the text.

significant passage

Focuses on a particular segment of text that carries importance or meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "key text" to refer to an important or central piece of writing, such as "The Gospel of Mary is considered a "key text" for understanding certain Christian beliefs."

What is a good alternative to "key text"?

Alternatives include "primary text", "essential text", or "pivotal text", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "key text" in informal writing?

While "key text" is generally suitable for formal and academic contexts, it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal writing, consider using simpler terms like "important reading" or "main source."

What makes a text a "key text"?

A "key text" is typically characterized by its significant influence, foundational role in a particular field, or essential contribution to understanding a topic. It's often a frequently cited and widely recognized source.