keys to understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"keys to understanding" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the essential elements or factors that are necessary for understanding something. Example: The keys to understanding this complex issue are thorough research and open-mindedness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

There are two keys to understanding why.

The Washington Post

All three may offer keys to understanding this carefully choreographed papal visit.

The New Yorker

I quickly came to appreciate that inaccessibility is one of the keys to understanding this place.

The Guardian - Travel

These tantalizing connections, Frenkel tells us, may hold "the keys to understanding what mathematics is really about".

The New York Times - Books

One of the keys to understanding face recognition, it seems, is understanding how the brain comes to recognize voices.

The New York Times - Health

Understanding otaku -hood, I think, is one of the keys to understanding the culture of the web.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Partisanship remains key to understanding British politics.

The Washington Post

To me humour is the key to understanding.

The Guardian - Books

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

The key to understanding Asian approaches is their pragmatism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keys to understanding", ensure that you clearly define what those keys are. Avoid vague references and provide specific details or examples.

Common error

Avoid implying that the "keys to understanding" are the only factors. Acknowledge that other elements might contribute to a fuller understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keys to understanding" functions as a noun phrase that introduces essential elements or factors necessary for comprehending a subject, concept, or situation. Ludwig provides examples across various domains, demonstrating its widespread use in explaining complex topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

29%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keys to understanding" is a versatile and commonly used expression that serves to highlight the essential elements for comprehending complex topics. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse domains, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "essential elements for comprehension" and ""critical factors for comprehension"" exist, "keys to understanding" offers a balance of accessibility and clarity. When employing this phrase, ensure that the specified keys are clearly defined and acknowledge the potential contribution of other factors for a complete understanding. As Ludwig's examples show, "keys to understanding" is valuable in guiding readers toward a more profound comprehension of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical factors for comprehension

This alternative highlights the importance of certain aspects for understanding, using "critical factors".

core concepts for grasping

This alternative focuses on the main ideas needed for understanding. "Core concepts" is a more academic term.

essential elements for comprehension

This alternative uses more formal language, replacing "keys" with "essential elements" and "understanding" with "comprehension".

crucial insights for comprehension

This alternative emphasizes the importance of specific discoveries or revelations for understanding.

vital components for grasping

This alternative focuses on the necessary parts to understand something. "Vital components" directly replace "keys".

fundamental principles for grasping

This alternative emphasizes the core ideas necessary for understanding, using "fundamental principles" and "grasping" to convey a similar meaning.

foundational knowledge for grasping

This alternative highlights the need for base knowledge before understanding can occur.

indispensable aspects for understanding

This alternative stresses that certain aspects are absolutely necessary for understanding.

basic tenets for understanding

This alternative uses more formal language, suitable for academic or theoretical contexts.

cornerstones of comprehension

This alternative suggests that understanding is built upon foundational elements. It's a more metaphorical expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "keys to understanding" to introduce the essential elements needed to grasp a complex topic. For example, "The "critical factors for comprehension" are thorough research and an open mind."

What are some alternatives to "keys to understanding"?

Alternatives include "essential elements for comprehension", "fundamental principles for grasping", or ""critical factors for comprehension"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "keys to understanding" or "key to understanding"?

"Keys to understanding" implies that there are multiple essential factors, while "key to understanding" suggests a single, primary element. The choice depends on whether you are referring to several factors or one main factor.

What's the difference between "keys to understanding" and "basic tenets for understanding"?

"Keys to understanding" is a more general phrase, while "basic tenets for understanding" typically refers to the foundational principles or beliefs that underpin a particular field or ideology. The latter is more formal and often used in academic or philosophical contexts.