key thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"key thing" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an important or essential element, concept, or factor. For example, "The key thing to remember is that everyone has their own opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the key thing".

The New York Times - Sports

Here's the key thing.

The New Yorker

That's a key thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That was the key thing for us".

The New York Times - Food

"The key thing is persistence.

The Guardian

"Patience is a key thing.

The Guardian - Sport

The key thing is fuel reduction.

University of California, Berkeley

So daily is the key thing here.

Yale University

HO: This is a key thing.

Stanford University

The key thing again is hydration.

The Guardian

The key thing we learned from it?

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "key thing" to succinctly highlight the most important element or consideration in a given situation. It's effective for summarizing complex ideas or focusing attention on what truly matters.

Common error

While "key thing" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "essential element" or "crucial aspect" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key thing" functions as a noun phrase that highlights a central element or consideration. It's used to focus attention on what is most important in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key thing" serves to pinpoint the most crucial aspect in a given context, confirmed by Ludwig AI as grammatically sound and appropriate for written English. While widely used across News & Media, Academia, and other fields, it's essential to consider the register. In formal settings, alternatives such as "essential element" or "crucial aspect" may be more appropriate. Ludwig's examples show that "key thing" is effective for summarizing and guiding focus, making it a valuable tool in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential element

Replaces "thing" with "element", focusing on the fundamental nature of what is important.

crucial aspect

Substitutes "key" with "crucial" and "thing" with "aspect", highlighting the decisive nature of the element.

vital component

Emphasizes the necessity of the element for the whole, using "vital" instead of "key" and "component" instead of "thing".

main point

Focuses on the central idea or argument, replacing "key thing" with a more direct expression of importance.

significant factor

Highlights the influence of the element, using "significant" to underscore its importance.

critical factor

Similar to significant factor, with critical carrying more emphasis on the factor being decisive.

important consideration

Shifts the focus to the act of thinking about something, using "consideration" instead of "thing".

central concern

Indicates a primary focus of attention or worry, replacing "thing" with a more emotional term.

fundamental issue

Highlights the basic nature of the problem, using "fundamental" to emphasize its foundational importance.

primary focus

Emphasizes the main area of attention, replacing "thing" with a term indicating concentration.

FAQs

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

Use "key thing" to emphasize the most important aspect of a situation. For example, "The "key thing" is to remain calm under pressure."

What are some alternatives to "key thing"?

You can use alternatives such as "essential element", "crucial aspect", or "vital component" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "key thing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "key thing" may sound too informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "significant factor" or "fundamental issue".

What's the difference between "key thing" and "main point"?

"Key thing" emphasizes the importance of a single element, while "main point" focuses on the central idea or argument being conveyed. They are often interchangeable, but "main point" is more specific to communication.