a causative factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a causative factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing elements that contribute to a particular outcome or effect, often in scientific, medical, or analytical contexts. Example: "Research has shown that smoking is a causative factor in the development of lung cancer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Barton said tests with cells in the laboratory suggested that blue light might be a "causative factor" in macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older Americans.

The New York Times

Shimada, T. et al. Cloning and characterization of FGF23 as a causative factor of tumor-induced osteomalacia.

Nature

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been implicated as a causative factor of cervical cancer.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Environmental exposure to metals might be a causative factor for hypertension, but the association remains unclear.

Science of The Total Environment

Persistent cervical infection with high-risk [HR] HPV is a causative factor for cancer.

Journal of Clinical Virology

Wind erosion is increasingly scrutinized as a causative factor in soil degradation and fugitive dust emissions.

Aeolian Research

Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that shoulder subluxation may be a causative factor for RSD.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Epidemiological studies indicate environmental pollutants as a causative factor of sporadic PD.

Toxicology in Vitro

The archbishop of Brisbane, Mark Coleridge, has said he does not believe that celibacy is a causative factor in child sexual abuse within the Catholic church.

The Guardian

Parkinson said he believed that the combination of celibacy and emotional isolation among clergy was a causative factor in child abuse.

The Guardian

But Coleridge, previously the archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn, said he still did not believe that celibacy, by itself, was a causative factor.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex phenomena, use "a causative factor" to specifically highlight an element that directly influences the outcome. This phrasing is especially useful in scientific and academic writing where precision is crucial.

Common error

While "a causative factor" is accurate, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "reason", "cause", or "influence" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a causative factor" primarily functions as a noun phrase identifying something that contributes to producing a particular effect or result. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a causative factor" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that identifies an element contributing to a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most commonly found in scientific and academic contexts, with a formal and precise tone. While versatile, simpler alternatives like "cause" or "reason" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Using "a causative factor" effectively involves understanding its formal register and employing it where precision and clarity are essential, particularly in analytical or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contributing element

Replaces "factor" with "element", emphasizing the role as one part of a larger cause.

a contributing factor

Similar to the original, but uses "contributing" which is a more direct and common synonym for "causative".

a determinant

Focuses on the aspect that conclusively decides or determines an outcome.

a root cause

Highlights the fundamental cause at the origin of the issue.

a causal agent

Emphasizes the role of something that actively produces an effect.

an influential factor

Highlights the significant impact of the factor on the outcome.

a reason

Simplifies the phrasing to denote a straightforward explanation for an occurrence.

a source

Indicates the origin from which something else arises.

a trigger

Emphasizes the aspect that initiates a process or event.

the origin

Focuses on the starting point or beginning of a development.

FAQs

How can I use "a causative factor" in a sentence?

Use "a causative factor" to pinpoint a specific element that leads to a particular result, for example: "Smoking is a "causative factor" in lung cancer."

What are some alternatives to "a causative factor"?

You can use alternatives like "a contributing factor", "a root cause", or "a causal agent" depending on the context.

Is "a causative factor" the same as "correlation"?

"A causative factor" implies a direct influence on an outcome, while "correlation" only indicates a relationship between two variables without necessarily proving causation. Correlation does not equal causation.

When is it appropriate to use "a causative factor" over simpler terms like "cause" or "reason"?

Use "a causative factor" in formal, analytical, or scientific contexts where precision and emphasis on the role of the factor are important. In more informal settings, "cause" or "reason" may suffice.