this is a key

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a key" is correct and acceptable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence such as: "I found an old box in the attic and, when I opened it, I discovered that this is a key."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a key point.

The New York Times

And this is a key question.

Independent

This is a key point to remember.

The New York Times

This is a key distinction.

The Guardian - Tech

"This is a key battle.

The Guardian

This is a key budget measure.

The Guardian

"This is a key moment for Afghanistan.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, this is a key new feature.

The Guardian - Tech

This is a key moment for us".

The Guardian

To me, this is a key point.

The Guardian

"This is a key tourist point," Carr announced.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is a key" to highlight essential elements or turning points in your argument. It effectively signals to the reader that the point is crucial for understanding the overall message.

Common error

Avoid using "this is a key" in overly casual or informal contexts where a more relaxed phrasing might be more appropriate. Overusing formal indicators can make the writing sound stiff or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "this is a key" is to act as a declarative phrase emphasizing importance. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it highlights that a specific point, concept, or moment is crucial for understanding or achieving something. It often serves as a transition or signal within an argument or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

26%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is a key" is a commonly used phrase to highlight the importance or criticality of a specific point. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable across various contexts, although it's best to avoid overuse in extremely informal settings. Its function is to emphasize significance, and while it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, it has broad applicability. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "this is crucial", "this is essential", or "this is fundamental" to tailor the emphasis to your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is crucial

Replaces 'key' with 'crucial', emphasizing the importance of something.

this is pivotal

Substitutes 'key' with 'pivotal', highlighting the turning-point nature of something.

this is essential

Replaces 'key' with 'essential', indicating necessity.

this is fundamental

Changes 'key' to 'fundamental', stressing the foundational importance.

this is paramount

Replaces 'key' with 'paramount', emphasizing supreme importance.

this is vital

Substitutes 'key' with 'vital', highlighting the life-sustaining importance of something.

this is critical

Changes 'key' to 'critical', indicating decisive importance.

this is significant

Replaces 'key' with 'significant', highlighting the importance or consequence of something.

this is important

Substitutes 'key' with 'important', indicating something of great value.

this is central

Replaces 'key' with 'central', emphasizing its role in being the focus of something.

FAQs

What does "this is a key" mean?

The phrase "this is a key" is used to emphasize that something is essential, crucial, or of utmost importance. It signals to the reader or listener that the point being made is vital for understanding a larger context or argument.

How can I use "this is a key" in a sentence?

You can use "this is a key" to highlight a critical element in your explanation. For example, "Understanding the basics of supply and demand, "this is a key" to grasping economics."

What can I say instead of "this is a key"?

You can use alternatives like "this is crucial", "this is essential", or "this is fundamental" depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance while still highlighting the importance of the point.

Is it better to say "this is a key" or "this is key"?

Both "this is a key" and "this is key" are acceptable, but "this is a key" is more common and grammatically explicit. "This is key" is a slightly more concise and informal version.