this is key

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is key" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when a certain fact, point, or step is particularly important. For example, "Time management is key when it comes to staying organized. This is key for ensuring that all tasks are completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

This is key," he added.

The New York Times

This is key for us.

The Guardian

This is key for me.

The Guardian - Money

(For fried-chicken freaks, this is key).

The New York Times - Food

This is key: Don't spit.

The Washington Post

This is key to Sullivan's approach.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

All of this is keyed to pleasure.

The New Yorker

"This was key for us," Revis said.

The New York Times - Sports

This was key.

HuffPost

This link is key.

TechCrunch

This part is key.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is key" to emphasize pivotal elements or actions within explanations or instructions to ensure readers understand their significance.

Common error

Avoid using "this is key" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make the text sound repetitive. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is key" functions as a declarative statement to emphasize the significance of a particular element or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, highlighting its role in pinpointing essential aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Forbes

6%

Huffington Post

6%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is key" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize the importance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequent use across diverse sources like news outlets, academic papers, and general content demonstrates its versatility. While perfectly acceptable for most contexts, more formal alternatives like "this is crucial" may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. Be mindful of overuse to maintain impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is crucial

Emphasizes the critical nature of something, similar to "this is key".

this is essential

Highlights the necessity of something, akin to its being "key".

this is vital

Indicates that something is indispensable, much like "this is key".

this is paramount

Stresses the supreme importance of something, similar to "this is key".

this is fundamental

Highlights that something forms a necessary base or core, aligning with the idea of "this is key".

this is significant

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of something, relating to its being "key".

this is critical

Highlights the importance of something to the success of something, similar to "this is key".

this is central

Indicates the something is the most important part of something, similar to "this is key".

this is a must

Highlights the the fact that something is mandatory, similar to "this is key".

this is the linchpin

Highlights that something is essential to hold the various elements of something together, similar to "this is key".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this is key" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "this is crucial", "this is essential", or "this is of paramount importance" to convey the same meaning with a more elevated tone. For instance, instead of "Understanding the data is key", try "Understanding the data "is crucial"".

What are some less common synonyms for "this is key"?

If you are looking for less common synonyms for "this is key", you could consider phrases like "this is pivotal", "this is integral", or "this is indispensable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For instance, instead of "Teamwork is key to success", try "Teamwork "is pivotal" to success".

When is it appropriate to use "this is key" in writing?

"This is key" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that a particular element, step, or piece of information is critically important for achieving a specific outcome or understanding a concept. It's suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts where clarity and emphasis are desired.

Is "this is key" too informal for academic writing?

While "this is key" isn't strictly incorrect in academic writing, it may be perceived as less formal. For academic contexts, stronger alternatives such as "this is crucial", "this is essential", or "this is fundamental" might be more appropriate to maintain a professional tone.