the key indicator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the key indicator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant measure or sign that provides insight into a particular situation or performance. Example: "The key indicator of our project's success will be the increase in user engagement over the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They indicate that patient satisfaction is the key indicator in determining the relationship between perceived healthcare quality and patient loyalty intention [ 8, 28].

BMC Health Services Research

The experimental and analytical results indicate that the longitudinal mode is the key indicator to identify the sensing environment, and the shear mode can be exploited in biosensor applications.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The key indicator of miasma was stench.

The New Yorker

The key indicator to watch is the value of the dollar.

The New York Times

The key indicator is the market share figures, but these have not yet been made public.

The Guardian - Film

The key indicator will be whom she appoints to her economic team".

The New York Times

According to Mr. Miller, the key indicator to watch in the coming months is Manhattan's inventory.

The New York Times

Heterosexuality became defined as the key indicator of masculinity, with gay men framed as "weak" and "feminine".

The Guardian - Opinion

But the key indicator, economists said, is the number of jobs lost.

The New York Times

"Profitability improvement is the key indicator for a better dividend distribution in the future".

The New York Times

But for all this, the role of women in society is the key indicator when it comes to any analysis of sex education in Iran.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using "the key indicator", and choose more accessible language if they may not understand the term.

Common error

Avoid presenting a secondary indicator as "the key indicator". Ensure it truly holds the most significant influence or provides the most critical insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key indicator" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an appositive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to identify the most important factor or measure in a given context, guiding analysis and decision-making.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the key indicator" is a noun phrase used to identify the most significant factor or measure for understanding a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's commonly found in science, news, and business contexts, highlighting its importance in analytical discourse. While "the key indicator" is generally neutral, professional and academic contexts are the most likely to use it. Remember to ensure the chosen indicator truly holds primary importance, and to clearly define its relevance for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the primary metric

Replaces "indicator" with "metric", focusing on quantifiable measurement.

the main determinant

Emphasizes the phrase's role in deciding an outcome.

the crucial factor

Highlights the importance of the factor being indicated.

the essential element

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the indicator.

the vital sign

Implies the indicator is a critical signal of a condition.

the principal measure

Similar to 'primary metric', but with a broader scope than just metrics.

the central aspect

Shifts focus to the aspect that's most important.

the defining characteristic

Highlights that the indicator uniquely identifies something.

the litmus test

Suggests the indicator is a decisive assessment.

the bellwether

Implies the indicator leads or signals a trend.

FAQs

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

Use "the key indicator" to highlight the most important factor in a particular situation. For example, "The number of new infections is "the key indicator" of the pandemic's severity".

What is a good alternative to using "the key indicator"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the primary metric", "the main determinant", or "the crucial factor".

Is there a difference between "the key indicator" and "an important indicator"?

"The key indicator" implies that it's the most important one, while "an important indicator" suggests it is significant but not necessarily the most crucial.

When should I avoid using "the key indicator"?

Avoid using "the key indicator" if there are multiple equally important indicators, or if you are unsure whether it's the most important one. In such cases, using a more general term like "an important indicator" might be more accurate.