The key point is
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use this phrase to signal that the most important information is coming next.
In 15 Sekunden
- Acts as a verbal highlighter for important information.
- Used to summarize complex ideas into one main thought.
- Perfect for meetings, essays, and giving clear advice.
Bedeutung
Think of this phrase as a verbal highlighter. It tells your listener to stop focusing on the small details and pay attention to the most important part of what you are saying.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6In a business meeting about a new project
We have many ideas, but the key point is we must stay under budget.
We have many ideas, but the key point is we must stay under budget.
Explaining a board game to a friend
The rules are complex, but the key point is to collect the most gold.
The rules are complex, but the key point is to collect the most gold.
Texting a friend about a party
Wear whatever you want, but the key point is: be there by 8!
Wear whatever you want, but the key point is: be there by 8!
Kultureller Hintergrund
This phrase reflects the Western cultural emphasis on 'low-context' communication, where the speaker is responsible for making the message clear and direct. It became a staple of corporate 'business speak' in the late 20th century as meetings became more structured. It draws on the metaphor of a 'key' being the tool that unlocks understanding.
The Power of the Pause
Try pausing for one second after saying `The key point is`. It creates suspense and makes people lean in to hear what you say next.
Don't Over-Key It
If you have five 'key points' in one minute, none of them are actually keys. Stick to one or two main points per conversation.
In 15 Sekunden
- Acts as a verbal highlighter for important information.
- Used to summarize complex ideas into one main thought.
- Perfect for meetings, essays, and giving clear advice.
What It Means
Imagine you are telling a long, complicated story. Your friend might get lost in the details. The key point is acts like a flashlight. It shines a bright light on the one thing they must remember. It simplifies complex ideas into one bite-sized piece of information. It is the 'heart' of your argument or explanation.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence. It sets the stage for your big reveal. You can also use it after a long explanation to summarize. For example, after talking about car features, say, The key point is that it is safe. It works best when followed by a clear, short statement. Don't follow it with another long, confusing sentence!
When To Use It
This phrase is a superstar in professional settings. Use it during business meetings to keep everyone focused. It is great for academic writing when you want to emphasize your thesis. You can also use it when giving advice to a friend. If they are overthinking a breakup, you might say, The key point is you deserve better. It helps cut through the emotional noise.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for very trivial or obvious things. If you say, The key point is that water is wet, you will sound silly. Also, try not to overused it in a single conversation. If every sentence starts with this, nothing feels 'key' anymore. It loses its power if you use it like a verbal tic. Don't use it when you want to be mysterious or vague.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, especially in the US and UK, directness is valued. People appreciate it when you 'get to the point' quickly. Time is often seen as money in professional environments. This phrase satisfies that cultural need for efficiency. It shows you respect the listener's time by highlighting what matters most. It reflects a logical, linear way of processing information.
Common Variations
You might hear people say The bottom line is for financial or final decisions. The main takeaway is is common in seminars or lessons. If you want to be more casual, you can just say The thing is. In very formal logic, you might hear The crux of the matter is. All of these serve a similar purpose: finding the center of the target.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any 'neutral' to 'formal' situation. It is a 'signposting' phrase that helps with the flow of logic in English.
The Power of the Pause
Try pausing for one second after saying `The key point is`. It creates suspense and makes people lean in to hear what you say next.
Don't Over-Key It
If you have five 'key points' in one minute, none of them are actually keys. Stick to one or two main points per conversation.
The 'Bottom Line' Secret
In American business culture, people often swap this for `The bottom line is`. This comes from the last line of a financial statement showing profit or loss.
Beispiele
6We have many ideas, but the key point is we must stay under budget.
We have many ideas, but the key point is we must stay under budget.
Focuses the team on the most critical constraint.
The rules are complex, but the key point is to collect the most gold.
The rules are complex, but the key point is to collect the most gold.
Simplifies a confusing explanation for a friend.
Wear whatever you want, but the key point is: be there by 8!
Wear whatever you want, but the key point is: be there by 8!
Uses the phrase to emphasize a specific instruction.
I bought all this kale, but the key point is I still want pizza.
I bought all this kale, but the key point is I still want pizza.
Uses the phrase to highlight a funny contradiction.
I know you're scared, but the key point is that I'm here for you.
I know you're scared, but the key point is that I'm here for you.
Provides comfort by focusing on the most important emotional fact.
The key point is that the data suggests a significant shift in climate.
The key point is that the data suggests a significant shift in climate.
Directs the audience to the primary finding of the research.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best phrase to focus the listener on the main goal.
We can talk about the colors later; ___, we need to finish the design today.
`The key point is` works best here because it prioritizes the deadline over the minor detail of colors.
Complete the sentence to emphasize the most important part of a travel plan.
The hotel is nice, but ___ that it's right next to the train station.
This correctly uses the full expression to highlight the convenience of the location.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of 'The Key Point Is'
Used with friends for emphasis.
The key point is: don't forget the snacks!
Standard use in daily communication.
The key point is that we need to leave soon.
Used in presentations and reports.
The key point is the correlation between variables.
When to use 'The Key Point Is'
Summarizing a meeting
The key point is we need a new strategy.
Explaining a mistake
The key point is I didn't see the sign.
Giving advice
The key point is to be yourself.
Writing an essay
The key point is the economic impact.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot at all! It adds a bit of drama or clarity. For example, The key point is: don't forget the pizza.
It's rare. Usually, it introduces the idea. You would say That is the key point at the end instead.
In short is for summarizing everything. The key point is specifically picks the most important part.
Yes! If you have two or three main things, just make it plural: The key points are budget and timing.
Yes, it's excellent. It shows you can organize your thoughts and communicate clearly.
Usually no, but if you say it too loudly or interrupt someone, it can sound like you are shutting them down.
Yes, The key is... is a very common, slightly shorter version that means the same thing.
It is used equally in both. It helps readers navigate a text and helps listeners follow a speech.
Using it for a detail that isn't actually important. It confuses the listener about what your priority is.
Not exactly slang, but people might say The long and short of it is or Basically... in very casual talk.
Verwandte Redewendungen
The bottom line is
The most important fact or the final result.
The crux of the matter
The most essential or difficult part of a problem.
In a nutshell
A very brief summary of a longer story.
The main thing is
A slightly more casual way to highlight a priority.
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