The spelling of "key sentence" is straightforward. The word "key" is spelled as it sounds, /ki/, with the letter "e" creating a long "e" sound. The word "sentence" is spelled /ˈsɛntəns/, with the letter "s" making a soft "s" sound and the vowel combination "en" creating a short "e" sound. Together, the two words form a compound word, and both words retain their original spelling and pronunciation. A key sentence is a crucial or important sentence that summarizes the main idea of a paragraph or text.
A key sentence refers to a vital, significant, or pivotal statement that holds great importance in a piece of writing, conversation, or speech. It is a sentence that encapsulates the main idea, theme, or argument of a text, serving as a guide or point of reference for the reader or listener. The key sentence often appears at the beginning or end of a paragraph or section, clearly conveying the writer's intention and guiding the overall flow and structure of the piece.
In academic writing, the key sentence plays a crucial role in establishing the thesis statement or central claim of an essay or research paper. It articulates the primary argument or viewpoint that the author aims to support, analyze, or critique throughout the work. The key sentence helps provide cohesion and coherence to the overall content, allowing readers to grasp the main message without getting lost in the details.
In a broader context, a key sentence can also be seen as a concise summary or highlight that captures the essence of a larger body of text. It serves as a clue or cue for readers to discern the main points or key ideas without having to delve into the entire piece. Moreover, in legal and bureaucratic contexts, the key sentence refers to a specific provision or statement within a document that holds substantial legal weight or consequence.
Overall, a key sentence acts as a navigational tool, steering readers towards the core message or purpose of a written or spoken piece, helping them understand, interpret, and engage with the content more efficiently.
The word "key" originated from the Old English word "cǣg", which referred to a device used for opening or closing locks. Over time, it evolved to mean something essential, pivotal, or crucial.
The word "sentence" derives from the Latin word "sententia", which meant a thought, opinion, or expression. It later came to represent units of meaning that form a complete thought in written or spoken language.
Therefore, the term "key sentence" combines "key", meaning something crucial, with "sentence", denoting a complete thought. It is typically used to describe a central or important sentence within a piece of writing, which captures the main idea or summarizes the content.