the key thing is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the key thing is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the most important point or aspect of a discussion or argument. Example: "When considering the benefits of exercise, the key thing is to find an activity you enjoy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The key thing is persistence.

The Guardian

The key thing is its simplicity.

The Guardian

The key thing is he's in.

The Guardian - Sport

The key thing is leadership potential.

The Guardian

The key thing is to stay there".

The Guardian

The key thing is that it's funny".

The Guardian - Books

The key thing is to learn from those experiences".

Independent

The key thing is you keep challenging and developing it.

Independent

The key thing is to stay off Twitter.

Independent

The key thing is capital, a top official told me.

The New Yorker

"The key thing is that he makes vital saves.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the key thing is", ensure that the subsequent statement is concise and directly relevant to the context. Avoid burying the key point within additional details.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "the key thing is". This can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "most importantly" or "the crucial point is".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key thing is" functions as a transitional phrase to introduce the most important aspect, element, or factor in a particular situation or discussion. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used across numerous contexts to highlight the central idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the key thing is" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the most important aspect of a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using "the key thing is", make sure to follow it with a concise and relevant statement to keep your audience engaged. Although highly versatile, avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms such as "the main thing is" and "the most important thing is".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most important thing is

Replaces "key" with "most important", directly emphasizing the significance.

the main thing is

Uses "main" instead of "key", indicating the primary focus.

the crucial point is

Substitutes "key thing" with "crucial point", highlighting the decisive element.

the essential element is

Replaces "key thing" with "essential element", underscoring the fundamental component.

what matters most is

Shifts the focus to what is of greatest importance.

the primary concern is

Emphasizes the main worry or focus of attention.

the fundamental aspect is

Highlights the foundational nature of the aspect being considered.

above all else

Indicates that something is more important than anything else.

the bottom line is

Uses a business idiom to indicate the most important consideration.

the critical factor is

Stresses that the following aspect is a decisive element.

FAQs

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

Use "the key thing is" to emphasize the most important aspect or point in a discussion. For example, "When learning a new language, "the key thing is" consistent practice".

What are some alternatives to "the key thing is"?

You can use alternatives such as "the main thing is", "the most important thing is", or "the crucial point is" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the key thing is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. It is commonly used to highlight the most significant element in a given situation.

What is the difference between ""the key thing is"" and "the most important thing is"?

While both phrases are very similar, ""the key thing is"" can sometimes imply a specific element or action that unlocks success, whereas "the most important thing is" simply emphasizes overall significance. They are often interchangeable depending on context.