this was key

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'this was key' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe an element of something that was important or pivotal in achieving a goal. For example, "This was key to winning the award – the presentation was well thought out and well-executed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"This was key for us," Revis said.

The New York Times - Sports

This was key to the relationship between the two men.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This was key for all of the benefits that came after," he said.

The Guardian

This was key, it really contributed to the maturity of the city".

The Guardian

O'Shea thinks this was key: "It became a very direct, personal communication.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All this is untrue, but Harris says this was "key to establishing Mooney's trust in the operation".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 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 to Sullivan's approach.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was key" to highlight a specific element or action that significantly contributed to a particular outcome or situation. For impact, follow it with a clear explanation of why it was so important.

Common error

Avoid using "this was key" as a vague statement. Always provide context and explain why it was key to avoid weakening the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was key" functions as a subject complement, identifying and emphasizing a particular aspect as crucial or essential. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was key" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to emphasize the importance of a particular element or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is used to highlight the significance of something. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be suitable for certain academic or scientific writing. Remember to provide sufficient context to explain why something "this was key" in order to maximize its impact. Consider using related phrases like "this was essential" or "this was crucial" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this was essential

Substitutes 'key' with 'essential', maintaining a strong sense of necessity.

this was critical

Replaces 'key' with 'critical', suggesting a decisive or crucial role.

this was vital

Replaces 'key' with 'vital', indicating a high degree of importance.

this proved crucial

Replaces 'key' with 'crucial' and 'was' with 'proved', slightly altering the emphasis.

this was central to success

Clearly indicates the element's role in achieving a positive outcome.

this was paramount

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

this was of utmost importance

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the high degree of importance.

this was fundamental

Replaces 'key' with 'fundamental', highlighting the foundational nature of the element.

this was the linchpin

Replaces 'key' with 'linchpin', implying it was the central element holding things together.

this was the turning point

Indicates that something changed the course of events, replacing the simpler phrase with a more evocative one.

FAQs

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

You can use "this was key" to emphasize the importance of a specific factor or action. For example, "Implementing the new strategy was key to the company's turnaround".

What are some alternatives to using "this was key"?

Some alternatives include "this was essential", "this was crucial", or "this was vital" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "this was key" formal or informal?

The phrase "this was key" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal writing, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "this was key" and "this is key"?

"This was key" refers to something that was important in the past, while "this is key" refers to something that is currently important. The tense indicates whether the importance is in retrospect or ongoing.