that's the key

USAGE SUMMARY

"That's the key" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of something or to draw attention to a point. For example: "Finding a way to motivate the team is essential - that's the key."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Adaptability, that's the key.

The Guardian - Music

That's the key to Bloomberg's success.

The New Yorker

That's the key thing".

The New York Times - Sports

That's the key.

The New York Times - Arts

That's the key point.

Independent

"That's the key test".

The New York Times - Arts

That's the key question".

The New York Times

"That's the key intervention point.

The New York Times - Magazine

"That's the key to it.

The New York Times - Tech

That's the key piece there".

The New York Times

"That's the key benefit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that's the key", ensure the context clearly establishes what "that" refers to. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of your statement. For example, instead of saying "Adaptability, that's the key", you could say "Adaptability is the key to success in a rapidly changing environment."

Common error

Avoid using "that's the key" excessively in formal writing or presentations. While the phrase is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or simplistic. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "the crucial element" or "the pivotal factor" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's the key" functions as a sentence fragment or a short declarative statement used to emphasize the crucial element or point being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is prevalent across various contexts, highlighting its role in drawing attention to significant details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's the key" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize a crucial element or point. Ludwig AI affirms its widespread applicability across various contexts. It functions as a short declarative statement, guiding attention to significant details. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the context clearly defines what "that" refers to, and overusing it in formal settings should be avoided. Numerous alternatives, such as "that's the crux" or "that's the essential point", can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's the crux

Replaces "key" with "crux", highlighting the most important or decisive point.

that's the heart of the matter

Emphasizes that the identified element is central to the issue being discussed.

that's the critical factor

Substitutes "key" with "critical factor", stressing the importance of a specific element for success.

that's the essential point

Uses "essential point" to convey that something is fundamental and necessary.

that's the crucial aspect

Highlights the significance of a particular aspect, making it vital for consideration.

that's what really matters

Focuses on the element that holds the most importance or significance in the situation.

that's the secret ingredient

Implies that a particular element is the hidden, vital component for success or understanding.

that's the linchpin

Uses "linchpin" to describe the element that holds everything together or is essential for stability.

that's where the magic happens

Figuratively emphasizes the place or action where the desired result is achieved.

that's the golden rule

Indicates a fundamental principle that should always be followed to achieve success.

FAQs

How can I use "that's the key" in a sentence?

You can use "that's the key" to highlight the most important aspect of something. For instance, "Understanding the customer's needs; "that's the key" to successful marketing".

What are some alternatives to saying "that's the key"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that's the crux", "that's the essential point", or "that's the critical factor", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "that's the key"?

Yes, "that's the key" is grammatically correct and widely used in spoken and written English to emphasize a crucial element or point.

What is the difference between "that's the key" and "that's the main point"?

"That's the key" emphasizes the crucial element needed for success or understanding, while "that's the main point" simply highlights the central idea being discussed. The former implies more importance or necessity.