a basic factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing essential elements or components that contribute to a particular situation or outcome. Example: "Understanding the market trends is a basic factor in developing a successful business strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

CHANGING taste is a basic factor in American material culture.

The New York Times

MUSIC HENRY BRANT "Ice Field" Mr. Brant is a pioneer of 20th-century spatial music, in which the planned positioning of the performers throughout the hall, as well as on stage, is a basic factor in the composition.

The New York Times

This tendency toward intimate relation among the standard four movements reflects the urge of these composers to seek unity on the highest hierarchic level a trend foreign to most of their lesser contemporaries but a basic factor in the symphony's evolution throughout the next two centuries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At that point health care (life or death) loses price sensitivity, a basic factor in any economic model.

Forbes

The Poisson ratio is a basic factor in analyzing, designing and important attribute of the mechanical response of any materials.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Study on water quality of rivers including the hydrochemical parameter, heavy metal contamination and bacterial infections is a basic factor for developing the water resource management projects (Ji 2008; Moasheri et al. 2013; WHO 2011; Zare Abyaneh 2014).

Applied Water Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"There is a very basic factor involved here money," says John Gifford, an archaeologist at the University of Miami.

The Economist

There is a more basic factor at work here: greed.

The New York Times

In addition, a very basic factor such as rapid recruitment in the main study, later start of the imaging sub-study and inability to recruit enough patients for the latter must be seriously considered.

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

The hemangiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF -A, basic fibroblast growth factor, angiopoietin-1 and -2 and platelet-deriVEGF -Awth factor have basicshown to induce lymphangiogenesis and the lymphangiogenic fibroblastF-C can also induce hemangrowthesis (reviewed in Cao, 2005; Tammela et al, 2005).

British Journal of Cancer

For instance, ATF2 (activating transcription factor 2) a basic transcription factor has been reported to be a regulator of radiation and drug resistance in melanomas [ 53] and known to induce epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic cancer cell lines [ 54].

Cancer Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with descriptive adjectives like 'very' or 'most' to specify the hierarchy of importance within your analysis.

Common error

Do not use "a basic fundamental factor" in the same breath. Since 'basic' and 'fundamental' are nearly synonymous in this context, using both makes the writing appear repetitive and cluttered. Choose the one that best fits the desired level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a noun phrase consisting of the indefinite article "a", the adjective "basic", and the noun "factor". In sentences retrieved from Ludwig, it typically acts as a predicate nominative or an appositive to define an essential variable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun phrase "a basic factor" is an essential tool for writers looking to identify foundational elements within any given system. Analysis from Ludwig AI indicates that it is a Common and grammatically Correct choice, especially favored in the fields of Science and News & Media. It successfully balances simplicity with analytical precision, making it suitable for describing everything from molecular mechanisms to economic trends. While it is often interchangeable with "a fundamental factor", its use remains robust among elite publications like The New York Times. When using this phrase, writers should focus on clarity and avoid combining it with other synonymous adjectives that might lead to redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental factor

Increases the intensity of importance, suggesting the factor is absolutely essential to the existence of the subject.

a basic element

Uses element instead of factor, which can sound slightly more structural or chemical depending on context.

a key factor

Moves focus from the foundational nature to the critical role the variable plays in determining an outcome.

a major factor

Emphasizes the scale or weight of the factor rather than its simplicity or foundational status.

a foundational aspect

Uses more formal terminology often found in social sciences or structural engineering.

a primary element

Highlights that the factor comes first in order or importance.

a core component

Suggests the factor is part of an integrated system or machinery.

an underlying factor

Implies the factor is present beneath the surface or is a hidden cause.

an essential ingredient

A more metaphorical or colloquial alternative often used in non-technical contexts.

a root cause

Specific to causal analysis, identifying the factor as the origin of a problem or situation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a basic factor"?

Depending on your context, you could use "a fundamental factor", "a key element", or "a core component".

Is "a basic factor" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, it is very common in scientific and academic literature to denote foundational variables. Alternatives like "a foundational aspect" can also be used for variety.

What is the difference between "a basic factor" and "an underlying factor"?

"an underlying factor" usually suggests a cause that is hidden or not immediately obvious, whereas "a basic factor" simply refers to something foundational.

How do I use "a basic factor" in a sentence?

A common way to use it is as a subject complement: "Market demand is "a basic factor" in economic growth."