will be key

USAGE SUMMARY

"will be key" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that will be essential or influential. For example, "Teamwork and collaboration will be key to achieving success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

US and Russian pressure will be key.

The Guardian - Opinion

Trust will be key".

The Guardian

All of that will be key.

The New Yorker

Content will be key as channels proliferate.

The Guardian - Books

The Sun's political coverage will be key.

The Guardian

The first game will be key.

The Guardian - Sport

Andy Gomarsall will be key as well.

The Guardian - Sport

"The next few weeks will be key".

The New York Times

The issues Europe will be key.

The Guardian

"It will be key to make no mistakes," Sarrazin acknowledged.

The Guardian - Sport

Putting these kickers under pressure will be key for England.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will be key" to emphasize the importance of a specific action, strategy, or element in achieving a desired outcome. Be specific about what 'it' refers to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "will be key" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "Success will be key to be achieved by teamwork", opt for a more direct and active voice: "Teamwork "will be key" to achieving success".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be key" functions as a modal verb phrase used to emphasize the importance or necessity of a particular action, factor, or element for achieving a desired outcome. This is reflected in Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "will be key" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the importance of something in achieving a future outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, business, and science. When using ""will be key"", ensure clarity by specifying what 'it' refers to and avoid overuse in passive constructions. Alternatives such as "will be essential" or "will be crucial" can be used for variety, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. This simple phrase carries significant weight in highlighting critical success factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be essential

Replaces "key" with "essential", emphasizing the necessity of something.

will be crucial

Substitutes "key" with "crucial", highlighting the critical importance of something.

will be vital

Replaces "key" with "vital", stressing the indispensability of something.

will be paramount

Substitutes "key" with "paramount", indicating something of utmost importance.

will be significant

Replaces "key" with "significant", denoting the importance or impact of something.

will prove decisive

Indicates that something will have a determining effect on the outcome.

will hold the key

This variation directly suggests that something has the power to unlock a solution or outcome.

will play a crucial role

Emphasizes the active part something will have in achieving a particular outcome.

will be a game-changer

Suggests that something has the potential to drastically alter the course of events.

will make all the difference

Highlights the impact something will have, suggesting it will be the deciding factor.

FAQs

How can I use "will be key" in a sentence?

Use "will be key" to emphasize the critical importance of something for a future outcome. For example, "Effective communication "will be key" to the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "will be key"?

You can use alternatives like "will be essential", "will be crucial", or "will be vital" depending on the context.

Is "will be key" too informal for professional writing?

No, "will be key" is suitable for professional writing. While it's direct, it is commonly used in news, business, and academic contexts to highlight important factors. However, for very formal contexts, consider using "will be paramount".

What does it mean when something "will be key"?

When something ""will be key"", it means that it is considered extremely important and necessary for achieving a particular outcome or goal. Without it, success is unlikely.