key to understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

'key to understanding' is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to draw attention to something that is essential to figuring out a concept or idea. Example sentence: Reading and watching the documentaries was the key to understanding the history of this region.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Partisanship remains key to understanding British politics.

The Washington Post

The Streep model is the key to understanding Olivia Colman.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The key to understanding me is really simple," he said.

The New Yorker

That was the key to understanding Sharon's appeal, Etkes said.

The New York Times - Magazine

To me humour is the key to understanding.

The Guardian - Books

The key to understanding Asian approaches is their pragmatism.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's the key to understanding President Vladimir Putin, too.

The New York Times

Antiracism has become the contemporary key to understanding the world.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is the key to understanding its mechanisms.

The New Yorker

That concept, flexibility, seems key to understanding Mr. Trump.

The New York Times

"I felt like he gave me the key to understanding.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "key to understanding" to highlight the most important element needed to comprehend a complex topic. This helps focus the audience's attention on what truly matters.

Common error

Avoid using "key to understanding" for trivial matters. It's most effective when applied to complex or nuanced subjects where a specific insight unlocks broader comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key to understanding" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a crucial element or aspect necessary for comprehension. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from understanding political situations to interpreting artistic works.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key to understanding" is a versatile and frequently used expression to emphasize the most important element for grasping a concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic writing. To maximize its impact, avoid using it in simple situations and focus on highlighting nuanced insights. Alternatives like "crucial to understanding" or "essential for understanding" can be employed for semantic variation. Remember, the phrase shines when it pinpoints that critical piece of information that unlocks deeper comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crucial to understanding

Emphasizes the importance of something for comprehension.

essential for understanding

Highlights the necessity of something to achieve understanding.

vital to understanding

Stresses the critical nature of something for grasping a concept.

fundamental to understanding

Indicates that something forms a necessary base for comprehension.

central to understanding

Focuses on the core element needed for understanding.

important for understanding

Highlights the significance of something for grasping an idea.

necessary for understanding

Points out that something is required for comprehension.

requisite for understanding

Emphasizes that something is indispensable for understanding.

cornerstone of understanding

Illustrates that something is the foundation for understanding.

linchpin of understanding

Highlights that something is critical because it holds everything together.

FAQs

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

Use "key to understanding" to emphasize a crucial element needed to comprehend a complex topic. For example, "The historical context is the key to understanding the author's intentions."

What are some alternatives to "key to understanding"?

You can use alternatives such as "crucial to understanding", "essential for understanding", or "vital to understanding" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "key to understanding" or "important for understanding"?

"Key to understanding" implies that something is not just important but absolutely necessary for comprehension, whereas "important for understanding" simply suggests significance.

What makes something the "key to understanding" a specific subject?

The "key to understanding" is the single most crucial factor or piece of information that, once grasped, unlocks a deeper comprehension of the subject. It often simplifies complex concepts or connects seemingly disparate elements.