most key

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'most key' is not correct in written English.
The phrase you are looking for is 'most crucial'. You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize the importance of something. For example, "Time management is one of the most crucial skills to develop if you want to be successful."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"If he wasn't the most key guy, he was one of the most key guys," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Romney trails Mr. Obama in most key battleground states.

The New York Times

Most key sites are within walking distance or a quick taxi ride from downtown.

The New York Times - Travel

It is unclear where most key legislators stand on Mr. Spitzer's proposal.

The New York Times

"On most key issues, the route to modern feminist goals must pass through fathers.

The Guardian

The Chiefs are going to be well drilled again and are settled at most key positions.

The Guardian - Sport

The N.R.A. was also on the losing side in most key Senate races.

The New York Times

The BCC found that most key indicators across the manufacturing and services sectors were showing signs of improvement.

The Guardian - Business

Most key elections have a key medium (radio for the silver-tongued F.D.R., TV for the dashing Kennedy).

The New Yorker

He added that 90% of his remuneration, and that of most key people in the company, was based on performance.

The Guardian

"The ball is very much in Greece's court, There are major differences between us in most key areas.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the significance of something, consider the specific context to select the synonym that best fits the nuance you want to convey. "Crucial" implies essential for success, while "vital" suggests necessary for life or function.

Common error

Avoid using "most key" in formal or academic writing, as it's considered grammatically incorrect. This phrase can undermine the credibility of your writing and distract your audience. Focus instead on using established and accepted phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most key" functions as a modifier followed by a noun, aiming to emphasize the significance of the noun it modifies. However, Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as grammatically incorrect. While attempting to highlight importance, it fails to adhere to standard English grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "most key" appears frequently in various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It aims to emphasize importance but falls short of standard English conventions. For clearer and more professional writing, it's best to substitute "most key" with alternatives such as "most crucial", "most important", or "most vital". Although the phrase occurs commonly in News & Media and Science contexts, its non-standard usage suggests caution in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most crucial

Replaces "key" with "crucial", a more grammatically standard synonym indicating highest importance.

most important

Replaces "key" with "important", a common and grammatically sound alternative.

most vital

Uses "vital" instead of "key", implying something essential for success or continuation.

paramount

A single-word substitute indicating supreme importance or dominance.

foremost

Implies the item is at the front or most prominent in a set of concerns.

principal

Denotes the chief or primary element in a given context.

central

Highlights that something is fundamentally important or located at the center.

chief

Replaces "key" with "chief", conveying a sense of the most significant or influential.

cardinal

Highlights that something is of basic importance or consequence.

dominant

Indicates that something has the greatest influence or power.

FAQs

What is a better phrase to use instead of "most key"?

Consider using alternatives like "most crucial", "most important", or "most vital" to express a similar meaning with correct grammar.

Is the phrase "most key" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "most key" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It is generally better to use phrases like "most crucial" or "most important" instead.

In what contexts might I encounter the phrase "most key", even if it's not correct?

You might encounter "most key" in informal settings or in edited texts where grammatical errors persist. However, it's best to avoid using it in formal writing or professional communication.

How can I ensure my writing is grammatically sound when emphasizing importance?

Consult a grammar guide or use writing tools like Ludwig to check for grammatical correctness. Pay attention to the specific nuances of the vocabulary you choose to ensure your writing is both accurate and effective.