which is key

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'which is key' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a point that is of particular importance. For example, "Time management is an important skill to have, which is key when you're juggling multiple projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which is key.

The Guardian - Travel

Nicotine involves dopamine release, which is key in signaling pleasure.

The New York Times

We call that radical self-reliance, which is key to Burning Man.

The Guardian

I can offer a more flexible and affordable service which is key to my business success".

The Guardian

For example, I study the immune system, which is key to human health.

Harvard University

They also overlooked the compactness of Hebrew poetry, which is key to its power.

Columbia University

They know how to run a door, which is key for my business.

The New York Times

We've got a bowling attack capable of taking 20 wickets, which is key.

Independent

The latter of which is key to accurate residual-based discretization error estimation.

Journal of Computational Physics

We then focus on collaboration and communication, which is key to being a successful architect.

Continuous Architecture Sustainable Architecture in an Agile and Cloud-Centric World

The look from Spring Summer seems to be all about femininity, which is key to my designs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is key" to emphasize the importance of a specific detail or aspect within a broader context. This helps to guide the reader's focus to the most critical element.

Common error

Avoid using "which is key" in very simple sentences where the importance is already obvious. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is key" functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause, adding an important detail or explanation to the preceding noun or phrase. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights a point of particular importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which is key" is a versatile relative clause used to emphasize the importance of a specific element within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and wide usage make it suitable for diverse contexts, from formal academic writing to general news and media. While widely applicable, it's important to avoid overuse in simple sentences where its impact may be diminished. Alternatives such as "that is essential" or "that is crucial" can provide variety and maintain the emphasis on key details. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively highlight critical information and enhance the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is essential

Emphasizes the necessity of something in a more direct way.

that is crucial

Highlights the critical importance of something.

that is vital

Stresses the life-or-death importance of something.

that is paramount

Elevates the importance to the highest level.

that is fundamental

Indicates something forms a necessary base or core.

this is central

Highlights the core relevance of a subject.

this is critical

Focuses on the decisive relevance of something.

this is significant

Highlights that something is important and deserves attention.

this is indispensable

Indicates that something is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

this is integral

Emphasizes that something is an essential part of a whole.

FAQs

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

Use "which is key" to highlight a crucial element or factor within a statement. For example, "Effective communication, "which is key", ensures project success."

What are some alternatives to using "which is key"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that is essential", "that is crucial", or "that is vital" depending on the context and the degree of importance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "which is key"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Which is key" is a relative clause used to add important information about a preceding noun or phrase.

How does "which is key" differ from "that is key"?

"Which is key" introduces a nonrestrictive clause, adding extra information that is not essential to the sentence's meaning. "That is key" introduces a restrictive clause, providing essential information that defines the noun it modifies.