What are the definitions of “key on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Target, focus on ( sport ).
We will KEY ON the opposing team's lack of skills on defense.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “key on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb key on is to focus or concentrate on something, usually in a sports context. It means to target or pay special attention to a specific aspect or weakness of an opponent.
What are the different verb forms of “key on”?
| Root Verb | key on |
| Third Person Singular Present | keys on |
| Present Participle | keying on |
| Simple Past | keyed on |
| Past Participle | keyed on |
Example
The coach told the players to key on the other team's weak defense.
Example
She keys on her opponent's weaknesses during the game.
Example
The team is keying on the rival's lack of experience.
Example
They keyed on the other team's slow players and won the match.
Example
The strategy keyed on exploiting the opponent's mistakes.
What kind of phrasal verb is “key on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“key on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The coach keyed on the other team's weak defense.
Example
She keyed on her opponent's weaknesses during the game.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“key on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The coach keyed on the other team's weak defense.
Example
She keyed on her opponent's weaknesses during the game.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “key on”?
Good things to know
Does “key on” have an informal or formal tone?
Key on is generally considered informal and is most commonly used in sports contexts or casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms such as 'focus on' or 'concentrate on'.
