the key to understanding is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the key to understanding is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing an important concept or idea that is essential for comprehension of a topic. Example: "The key to understanding is recognizing the underlying principles that govern the behavior of the system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Whether it is a disagreement between landlords and tenants, or a confrontation among people who think differently about same-sex marriages, she said the key to understanding is getting people to listen.

The New York Times

The key to understanding is dispassionate intelligence.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The key to understanding what is taking place is the Pearson / Common Core test which is the template for all the high stakes tests.

Huffington Post

The key to understanding mathematics is to be an active participant.

WikiHow

Unearthing those imprints is the key to understanding what is going on and then treating it.In Freudian theory, the imprints are memories, albeit unconscious ones.

The Economist

The key to understanding Infosys is to realize that it is not merely an "outsourcing" firm as it is often described in the media.

Forbes

In the case of nutritionism, the widely shared but unexamined assumption is that the key to understanding food is indeed the nutrient.

The New York Times - Magazine

The key to understanding this is that the anti-Keynesian position is, in essence, political.

The New York Times

The key to understanding Iran is to meet and talk to local people - and that is easier than in any other Middle Eastern country.

The Guardian - Travel

Isn't that more manipulative than a mass media ad? Kirkpatrick emphasizes that the key to understanding Facebook is the company's commitment to "radical transparency".

Huffington Post

"The key to understanding me is really simple," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the key to understanding is", ensure that the 'is' is followed by a clear and concise explanation of the concept or idea you are introducing. For example, "The key to understanding is recognizing the underlying principles."

Common error

Avoid using "the key to understanding is" followed by a vague pronoun. For instance, don't say "The key to understanding is this." Instead, clearly state what "this" refers to. Be specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key to understanding is" functions as a linking phrase, specifically a subject complement. It connects the subject (an implied topic) to a noun or phrase that renames or describes it. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the key to understanding is" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, according to Ludwig AI, although it appears infrequently in written English. It functions to introduce a crucial concept, highlighting the most important aspect for comprehension. While suitable for various contexts, it is most commonly found in news and media sources. Remember to follow it with a clear and specific explanation, avoiding vague pronoun references. Alternative phrases like "the essential element for grasping is" or "what you need to understand is" can be used depending on the desired level of formality or simplicity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the crucial aspect to comprehending is

Replaces "key" with "crucial aspect" and "understanding" with "comprehending", emphasizing importance and comprehension.

the essential element for grasping is

Substitutes "key" with "essential element" and "understanding" with "grasping", focusing on the fundamental component for comprehension.

the fundamental principle to knowing is

Replaces "key" with "fundamental principle" and "understanding" with "knowing", highlighting the core idea for knowledge.

the secret to deciphering is

Uses "secret" instead of "key" and "deciphering" in place of "understanding", implying a hidden element that needs to be revealed.

the main thing to realize is

Shifts the focus to realization instead of understanding, suggesting that the important aspect is to become aware of something.

what you need to understand is

Directly indicates the necessary information for understanding, changing the phrasing slightly.

the secret ingredient for understanding is

Metaphorically uses the idea of a "secret ingredient", adding a touch of intrigue.

the single most important factor is

Highlights a single, significant factor rather than a "key", but serves the same purpose.

the real explanation lies in

Indicates where the actual explanation can be found, guiding the understanding.

the heart of the matter is

Metaphorically points to the core of the issue, replacing "key" with "heart".

FAQs

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

Use "the key to understanding is" to introduce a crucial concept for comprehension. For example, "The key to understanding is recognizing the patterns in the data."

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

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "the essential factor for comprehension is" or "the crucial element for grasping is".

What can I say instead of "the key to understanding is" when explaining something simply?

For simpler explanations, you can use "what you need to understand is" or "the main thing to realize is".

How does "the key to understanding is" differ from "the secret to understanding is"?

"The key to understanding is" highlights an essential aspect, while "the secret to understanding is" suggests a hidden or less obvious element. Both are useful, but depend on context.