Something is key "to" / "in" doing something.

- Something is key to doing something.
- Something is key in doing something.

Do these mean the same thing?

Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
▪ Their votes were key in getting the bill passed.

Wikipedia:Etiquette - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Treating others with respect is key to collaborating effectively in building an international online encyclopedia.

sunsunmoon said:

- Something is key to doing something.
- Something is key in doing something.

Do these mean the same thing?

Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
▪ Their votes were key in getting the bill passed.

Wikipedia:Etiquette - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Treating others with respect is key to collaborating effectively in building an international online encyclopedia.

Click to expand...

Yes, either could be used in either of your examples.

billmcd said:

Yes, either could be used in either of your examples.

Click to expand...

...but be aware that some speakers of Br Eng are a bit sniffy about 'key' as an adjective used in this way. They would prefer either 'Something is the key to...' or 'Something is a key factor/consideration/principle/relationship/process/step... {whatever - some noun} in...'

And if you want to get these people really mad vamp say something is 'very key.'

b