What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
central
Example
The hotel is located in the central part of the city. [central: adjective]
Example
Education is a central aspect of a child's development. [central: noun]
key
Example
Communication is key in building strong relationships. [key: adjective]
Example
The key to success is hard work and determination. [key: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Key is more commonly used than central in everyday language. Key is versatile and can be used in various contexts to emphasize importance or necessity, while central is more specific to describing physical locations or positions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between central and key?
Both central and key can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, central may be slightly more formal when used to describe physical locations or positions, while key can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
