the key idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"the key idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a main concept or point of discussion. For example, "The key idea presented in the presentation was that we should focus on creating a positive customer experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The key idea is horizontality.

The New York Times

The key idea here is exposure, Dr. Septimus said.

The New York Times

The key idea is a free market economy under the strong regulatory control of the state.

The New York Times

"The key idea in neuroeconomics is that there are multiple systems within the brain," Cohen said.

The New Yorker

The key idea is to create tools that can assign monetary value to natural resources.

The New Yorker

Fig. 3 The key idea of the extension.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

The key idea of our approach is the following.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This is the key idea of the proposed scheme.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It reflects the key idea of MBCC-HITS algorithm.  .

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

The key idea is what they call joint consciousness.

SEP

"The key idea is experiments with new government cities.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the key idea" to summarize complex information, making it easier for the reader to grasp the core concept.

Common error

Avoid using "the key idea" to introduce trivial or self-evident points. This diminishes its impact when you need to highlight truly significant concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key idea" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies or summarizes the central concept or argument being presented. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the key idea" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to introduce or highlight the most important concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related content, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse audiences. When using "the key idea", ensure that the context is well-established and that the point being introduced is truly significant. Alternative phrases like "the central concept" and "the main point" can provide subtle variations in emphasis. Avoiding the use of "the key idea" for trivial points will preserve its impact when conveying crucial information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the central concept

Focuses on the fundamental concept rather than the overall idea.

the main point

Emphasizes the most important takeaway or conclusion.

the fundamental concept

Stresses the concept's role as a base or foundation.

the core principle

Highlights the underlying principle that guides the idea.

the essential element

Draws attention to the element that is absolutely necessary.

the basic notion

Refers to a fundamental understanding or belief.

the underlying theme

Suggests a recurring or implicit idea that connects different aspects.

the heart of the issue

Focuses on the central concern or problem.

the crux of the matter

Highlights the most important and decisive point.

the gist of it

Refers to the main substance or general meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "the key idea" to introduce or summarize the central concept of a topic, argument, or explanation. For example, "The key idea is to create tools that can assign monetary value to natural resources."

What's a more formal alternative to "the key idea"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the central concept" or "the core principle" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "the key idea" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "the key idea" is appropriate for academic writing when introducing a main concept or argument. Ensure it aligns with the formality level of the specific context.

What are some common phrases similar to "the key idea"?

Other similar phrases include "the main point", "the essential element", and "the fundamental concept", each offering a slightly different nuance.