the key explains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the key explains" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that clarifies or provides insight into a particular subject or concept. Example: "In this chapter, the key explains the underlying principles of the theory, making it easier to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Flexibility is the key, explains Williamson.

The Guardian

The key, explains Gang Pei, a biochemist at the Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences in China, and a co-author on one of the studies, are so-called small molecule chemicals that can slip into a cell, enter the DNA-containing nucleus, and alter the activity of a gene.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Approximate areas expected to become parks and greenspace," the key explained.

The Guardian

The couple who sublet were very methodical about turning it over, putting tags on all the keys, explaining things, checking each item off a list as they discussed it.

The New Yorker

"In this business, ownership of the work is key," explains a New York dealer.

Forbes

Comedy Central's Key and Peele ended in the fall of 2015, but Key explained that former writer Jay Martel wrote this skit as a way to deal with Trump's election night victory.

Vice

"As well as WASH facilities, the education is key," explained Ms. Balfour.

Unicef

Key explained the diplomatic faux pas to the New Zealand Herald.

The Guardian

"It was, 'Here's the frame, folks,' " Mr. Key explained from Los Angeles in a recent phone interview.

The New York Times - Arts

The key, he explains, lay in the fine art of drafting contracts.

The New York Times

The key, he explains, lies in those sensors.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the noun modified by "the key" and the verb "explains" fit well together. For example, "the key principle explains" sounds more natural than "the key person explains".

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in passive voice with "the key explains." For example, instead of saying 'The problem is explained by the key', prefer 'The key explains the problem', which is more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key explains" functions as a pointer to an essential explanation. It highlights that a particular element is crucial for understanding something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and correct, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the key explains" is a grammatically sound phrase used to highlight the most important element providing an explanation. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is relatively rare across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. To enhance clarity and impact, writers should use this phrase to emphasize crucial explanatory factors. Consider alternatives like "the explanation hinges on" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the crux lies in explaining

Substitutes 'key' with 'crux,' emphasizing the central point of explanation.

the explanation hinges on

Replaces 'key' with 'hinges,' focusing on dependence for understanding.

the heart of the matter explains

Replaces 'key' with 'heart of the matter,' highlighting the essential aspect.

the pivotal point clarifies

Changes 'key' to 'pivotal point' and 'explains' to 'clarifies,' indicating a crucial element.

the central concept elucidates

Replaces 'key' with 'central concept' and 'explains' with 'elucidates,' suggesting a core idea.

the fundamental aspect clarifies

Similar meaning, with slight difference in formality.

the primary factor details

Changes 'key' to 'primary factor' and 'explains' to 'details', emphasizing an important element.

the main reason describes

Replaces 'key' with 'main reason' and 'explains' with 'describes', focusing on rationale.

the core principle interprets

Substitutes 'key' with 'core principle' and 'explains' with 'interprets', shifting to interpretation.

the underlying logic reveals

Replaces 'key' with 'underlying logic' and 'explains' with 'reveals', emphasizing the reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "the key explains" in a sentence?

Use "the key explains" to highlight a crucial element that provides insight or understanding. For example, "The key explains the underlying reasons for the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to using "the key explains"?

Consider alternatives such as "the explanation lies", "the crux is", or "the reason is" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between saying "the key explains" and "the key is"?

"The key explains" emphasizes that something provides an explanation, while "the key is" simply identifies the most important element. The former is more active and explanatory.

What makes "the key explains" a useful phrase in writing?

The phrase is useful because it concisely emphasizes the element that unlocks understanding of a concept or situation. It directs the reader to focus on the most important explanatory factor.