ring of keys

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ring of keys" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a collection of keys that are often attached together, typically in a circular or looped manner. Example: "As she reached into her bag, the sound of a ring of keys jingled, reminding her of the many doors she could unlock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

My cane, my pocket change, this ring of keys,.

The New Yorker

The gendarme barked for the soldier outside to come in, and handed him a thick ring of keys.

The New Yorker

Tassy had a large ring of keys, which he used to open various drawers underneath the glass display cases.

The New Yorker

Mr. Paul pulled out a giant ring of keys from his brief case and tossed them across the table.

The New York Times

"Just put your object there on the screen underneath the camera," said Mr. Mohan, placing a ring of keys on the screen to demonstrate.

The New York Times - Tech

They gave me a badge and a wooden desk and I got to carry a big ring of keys whenever I was in the building.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The resulting finger links subsume the ring of key IDs: only taking into account the first routing entry of each node yields a ring in which each node points to its successor (the node with an ID ≥i d(x)+1).

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Half a century ago, many private trash carters in New York carried large rings of keys to the businesses they served.

The New York Times

The busy-looking people in dark pants and shirts with bulging rings of keys are also Scientologists.

The New Yorker

We have a hard time learning how much we can do by not doing anything, and how much other people can do by shaking rings of keys.

The New Yorker

Other than Mr. Tennyson, the church has three full-time employees: Goran Vujkovic, a Serbian immigrant armed with rings of keys who works as the sexton; Sharon Chase, the administrator who plays traffic cop with the rental groups; and Maude Turner, the jovial receptionist and first contact for the needy who come to the door.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's role, use "ring of keys" to highlight their responsibility or access to secured areas. For example: 'The warden carried a large "ring of keys", symbolizing authority.'

Common error

Avoid using "ring of keys" in contexts where a more modern term like 'keychain' or 'keyring' would be more appropriate, especially in casual conversation. Using "ring of keys" might sound dated in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ring of keys" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a sentence or preposition. It identifies a specific item or possession. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ring of keys" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a set of keys held together by a ring. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While alternatives like "keychain" or "keyring" exist, "ring of keys" remains a widely understood and accepted term, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. Its usage can imply responsibility or access, adding depth to its descriptive function. As demonstrated by numerous examples, the phrase effectively conveys the image of multiple keys organized on a ring, suitable for various writing styles and communication purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set of keys

Emphasizes the collection aspect of keys more directly.

keyring

A single word alternative that means the same thing.

bunch of keys

Highlights the clustered nature of the keys.

keychain

Focuses on the object used to hold the keys together.

collection of keys

More formal and explicitly describes the group of keys.

group of keys

Similar to "collection of keys" but slightly less formal.

cluster of keys

Emphasizes the physical arrangement of the keys.

batch of keys

Implies the keys are part of a larger set or system.

assortment of keys

Suggests a varied collection of keys for different purposes.

number of keys

Focuses on the quantity of keys.

FAQs

How can I use "ring of keys" in a sentence?

You can use "ring of keys" to describe a set of keys held together on a ring or similar fastener. For instance, "She jingled the "ring of keys" as she approached the door."

What's a more modern alternative to "ring of keys"?

While "ring of keys" is perfectly acceptable, you could use "keychain" or "keyring", which are more commonly used in contemporary language.

Is there a difference between "rings of keys" and "ring of keys"?

"Ring of keys" refers to a single set of keys held together. "Rings of keys" implies multiple such sets or collections.

Is "a ring of keys" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a ring of keys" is grammatically correct. The article "a" is used because "ring" is a countable noun in this context.