the key thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"the key thing" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the most important aspect or element of something. Example: "The key thing to remember when preparing for an interview is to research the company beforehand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's the key thing".

The New York Times - Sports

Here's the key thing.

The New Yorker

That was the key thing for us".

The New York Times - Food

"The key thing is persistence.

The Guardian

The key thing again is hydration.

The Guardian

The key thing we learned from it?

The Guardian - Music

That's the key thing," Abbott says.

The Guardian

And that's the key thing: timing.

The Guardian

"I think that's the key thing.

The New York Times - Sports

The bundle is the key thing here".

The Guardian

That's the key thing for us".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the key thing" to clearly identify the most crucial element or aspect of a situation, argument, or process for emphasis.

Common error

Avoid repeating "the key thing" multiple times within a short passage. Use synonyms or rephrase to maintain clarity and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies and emphasizes a specific element as being of paramount importance. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used to introduce a crucial point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Tech

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the key thing" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that serves to emphasize the most crucial aspect of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is prevalent in news, tech, and sports contexts, and while acceptable in formal writing, alternatives might be preferable in specific academic or professional settings. To enhance writing, avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "the most important aspect" or "the crucial element" to maintain clarity and impact. "The key thing" is its ability to pinpoint and highlight what truly matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most important aspect

Focuses on importance but uses a more descriptive and less idiomatic construction.

the crucial element

Emphasizes the essential and decisive nature of the element.

the central point

Highlights the core idea or focus of a discussion or situation.

the critical factor

Stresses the significance of a contributing element.

the main consideration

Highlights the primary factor to be taken into account.

the vital component

Indicates an indispensable part of a whole.

the essential aspect

Stresses the fundamental and necessary nature of the aspect.

the heart of the matter

Uses a more metaphorical expression to denote the core issue.

the bottom line

Emphasizes the ultimate and most important conclusion.

the long and short of it

Provides a concise summary of the most important facts.

FAQs

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

You can use "the key thing" to highlight the most important aspect of a situation. For example, "The key thing is to stay there" or "The key thing is simplicity".

What are some alternatives to "the key thing"?

Alternatives include "the most important aspect", "the crucial element", or "the central point", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the key thing" in formal writing?

While "the key thing" is acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives like "the essential element" or "the principal factor" might be preferred in strictly academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "the key thing" and "the main thing"?

"The key thing" emphasizes a critical or essential aspect, while "the main thing" simply highlights the most significant point or consideration. They are often interchangeable, but "the key thing" carries a stronger sense of necessity.