key to this

USAGE SUMMARY

'key to this' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something as being the most important or essential detail in relation to a discussion or situation. For example, "The results of this research are the key to this decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Digital was key to this.

The Guardian

The key to this turnaround?

The Guardian - Sport

Playfulness is the key to this production.

The Guardian

The key to this is transparency.

The Guardian

That's the key to this place.

The New Yorker

Communication and transparency are key to this".

The Guardian

And football has become key to this.

The Guardian

Rhythm is key to this subtle record.

The Guardian - Music

That's the key to this whole thing.

The New York Times

And key to this – perhaps the key to this – was death.

Independent

The key to this code is beyond recovery.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key to this", ensure that the 'this' is clearly defined and understood in the context. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what 'this' refers to.

Common error

Avoid overusing "key to this" as a generic introductory phrase. Instead, be specific about the element that holds the solution or unlocks the potential, providing clearer context and stronger emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key to this" functions as a predicate adjective that ascribes a crucial attribute to something implied by "this". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase for emphasizing importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Lifestyle

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key to this" serves to underscore the pivotal element within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical standing and widespread utility. With usage spanning from news and formal documentation to scientific discourse, it denotes crucial importance. When employing "key to this", ensure that the 'this' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "essential for this", "crucial for this", and "vital for this" can enrich your writing while retaining the core meaning. Remember that specificity enhances the impact of this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential for this

Replaces 'key' with 'essential', emphasizing the necessity of something.

crucial for this

Substitutes 'key' with 'crucial', highlighting the critical importance of an element.

vital for this

Uses 'vital' instead of 'key', denoting something indispensable.

fundamental to this

Replaces 'key' with 'fundamental', indicating a basic and necessary component.

central to this

Emphasizes that something is at the center or core of an issue.

most important aspect of this

This alternative is a more descriptive way of saying "key to this."

cornerstone of this

Metaphorically describes something as the foundation or basis.

critical component of this

Replaces 'key' with 'critical component', emphasizing its role as part of a larger system.

indispensable for this

Highlights that something cannot be done without.

a requisite for this

Presents something as a required condition.

FAQs

How can I use "key to this" in a sentence?

You can use "key to this" to emphasize the most important aspect or element in a particular situation. For example, "Communication is "key to this" project's success."

What can I say instead of "key to this"?

You can use alternatives like "essential for this", "crucial for this", or "vital for this" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "key to this" or "key for this"?

"Key to this" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Key for this" is grammatically awkward and less frequently used.

What's the difference between "key to this" and "important for this"?

"Key to this" implies a necessity or crucial element for achieving something, while "important for this" suggests something beneficial but not necessarily essential.