Meaning & use
key element
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Meaning
nouncountable
An important part or feature that something depends on or is made of.
Grammar: Countable: a key element, the key elements. Often followed by of: a key element of the plan.
Patterns
- a key element of something
- a key element in something
- the key elements of something
Trust is a key element of any good friendship.
The teacher explained the key elements of the experiment.
Good communication is a key element in teamwork.
Word forms
| plural | key elements |
|---|
Common combinations
- a key element of the plan
- Funding is a key element of the plan.
- a key element in success
- Hard work is a key element in success.
- identify the key elements
- The report identifies the key elements of the problem.
- a key element of the design
- Safety is a key element of the design.
Synonyms and how they differ
- essential part
- Similar meaning, but essential part suggests it cannot be left out, while key element just means very important.
- component
- More technical and neutral; component often refers to a physical part of a machine or system.
- factor
- Used for things that influence a result, not for parts that make up a whole.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: key element or key factor?
key element vs key factor
A key factor is something that helps cause a result, while a key element is a necessary part of something.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'key element' correctly?
Choose one answer.
We say a key element of something. 'For' and 'to' are less common and sound unnatural here, and the countable noun needs 'a' before it.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “key element”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.