Key vs Key

• Key (essential or important) – Adjective

• Key (a small device for opening locks) – Noun

Pronunciation

These words are homonyms, meaning they are spelled the same, sound the same, but have different meanings.

• Key (Noun): Pronounced /kiː/ (KEE) — A device used to open a lock or start a car.

• Key (Noun): Pronounced /kiː/ (KEE) — A crucial or important factor (e.g., the key to success).

Listen to the audio. They sound the same.

What makes them different is your intonation, expression, and context, or the other words in the sentence.

Instruction

Read each sentence aloud and practice identifying the meaning of "key" in context.
Can you tell which “key” is being mentioned as you read each sentence?

Example Sentences

1. Understanding this concept is key to success.
   a. Essential or important
   b. A small device for opening locks

2. She lost the key to her apartment.
   a. Essential or important
   b. A small device for opening locks

3. A positive mindset is key when facing challenges.
   a. Essential or important
   b. A small device for opening locks

4. The key to the treasure chest was hidden under a rock.
   a. Essential or important
   b. A small device for opening locks

5. Trust is key in a healthy relationship.
   a. Essential or important
   b. A small device for opening locks

6. I keep a spare key in my wallet.
   a. Essential or important
   b. A small device for opening locks

7. Communication is key to solving problems.
   a. Essential or important
   b. A small device for opening locks

8. He put the car key in the ignition and started the engine.
   a. Essential or important
   b. A small device for opening locks

9. The key to learning a language is consistent practice.
   a. Essential or important
   b. A small device for opening locks

10. She turned the key and heard the door unlock.
    a. Essential or important
    b. A small device for opening locks

Answers

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. a

6. b

7. a

8. b

9. a

10. b

Intonation

Instructions: Intonation is controlling the rise and fall of your voice. When we do this with words and phrases, we send the listener a specific message.

Use the bolded words to help you send the intended message.

Key (essential or important)

1. Understanding the key concept helped her pass the test. (Stress key concept to emphasize importance.)

2. A positive mindset is key to success. (Highlight key to stress its essential nature.)

3. Trust is key in building strong friendships. (Stress key to highlight its necessity.)

Key (a small device for opening locks)

1. I lost the key to my locker. (Stress key to show the item is missing.)

2. The spare key is hidden under the mat. (Emphasize spare key to show the backup.)

3. He turned the key and unlocked the door. (Stress key to highlight the action.)

Expression

The following explains how stressing or emphasizing the bolded words alters the tone or focus of the sentence and offers some helpful tips. Practice stressing these words when speaking. Create your own sentences with the following words and phrases.

Key (essential or important):

1. Key concept: Highlights the central idea or principle.

   • Tip: Say key concept slowly to show its importance.

   • Sentence: ____________________.

2. Key to success: Suggests a fundamental factor for achieving something.

   • Tip: Stress success to focus on the goal.

   • Sentence: ____________________.

3. Key to understanding: Indicates an essential element of comprehension.

   • Tip: Emphasize understanding to show its value.

   • Sentence: ____________________.

Key (a small device for opening locks):

1. House key: Refers to a specific type of key.

   • Tip: Stress house to indicate its purpose.

   • Sentence: ____________________.

2. Lost key: Focuses on the missing item.

   • Tip: Emphasize lost to show frustration or urgency.

   • Sentence: ____________________.

3. Turn the key: Highlights the action of using the key.

   • Tip: Say turn slowly to show the movement.

   • Sentence: ____________________.

Things to Remember:

The word "key" is used in different contexts:

• Key (essential or important): Often used with abstract ideas like "concept," "success," or "understanding."

  • Example: A healthy diet is key to staying fit.

• Key (a small device): Works with specific objects like "car," "house," or "locker."

  • Example: The key to the garage is in my bag.