a central factor in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a central factor in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something plays a significant or crucial role in a particular situation or context. Example: "Education is a central factor in the development of a successful society."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was a central factor in the formation of a centralized political system, and the construction of the Great Wall is evidence of this historical process.

International Journal of Anthropology and Ethnology

"Twenty-six per cent of the British public are buying cheaper food than they were a year ago, which may suggest that price is still a central factor in food choices," says Stephen Yap, head of Ipsos MarketQuest.

BBC

Contingent work too was a central factor in increasing inequality throughout the OECD.

The Guardian - Tech

Additionally, this article argues that soft law was a central factor in creating employment policies.

Columbia University

The ability to communicate emotion amidst the physicality was a central factor in choosing performers, Mr. James said later.

The New York Times

Other cities, including Chicago, Denver and Baltimore, have made downtown housing a central factor in redevelopment strategies.

The New York Times

The requirement of equal labor-management representation is a central factor in the congressional formula to prevent such abuse.

Cornell University

Well injectivity which describes the well-to-reservoir connection, is a central factor in any water injection operation.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

Since 2007, the schools' annual report cards have been a central factor in determining which would be closed, with schools that earned D's and F's particularly at risk.

The New York Times

The study, conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and released in 2006, found that "secondary task distraction" was a central factor in auto accidents.

The New York Times

In a report released last month, the Commonwealth Fund pointed to a heavy reliance on specialists in the United States as a central factor in driving up costs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a central factor in" when you want to emphasize the importance of a specific element within a complex situation or outcome. It clearly indicates that the factor is crucial, though not necessarily the only one.

Common error

Avoid using "a central factor in" when the element is merely contributory or minor. Reserve it for elements that have a demonstrably significant impact. Overusing this phrase can dilute its meaning and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central factor in" functions as a modifier, highlighting the significance of a particular element or aspect within a given context. Ludwig confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a central factor in" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the significance of a particular element within a broader context. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is prevalent in diverse fields like science, news, and academia, signalling its adaptability and broad applicability. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "a key component of" or "a critical element in", "a central factor in" uniquely highlights the pivotal nature of the element being discussed. It is essential to reserve this phrase for elements with significant impact to maintain its strength and clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key component of

Emphasizes that something is an essential part or element of a larger whole.

a critical element in

Highlights the crucial and indispensable nature of something.

a major contributor to

Indicates that something significantly adds to or causes a particular outcome.

a significant influence on

Focuses on the notable impact and effect that something has.

a primary driver of

Suggests that something is a main force behind a process or change.

a fundamental aspect of

Highlights the basic and essential nature of something.

a vital ingredient for

Emphasizes that something is necessary and essential for a successful outcome.

a cornerstone of

Implies that something is a fundamental and indispensable basis.

at the heart of

Suggests that something is the most important or essential part.

instrumental in

Highlights the important role of someone or something in helping to accomplish a goal.

FAQs

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

Use "a central factor in" to highlight a key element that significantly influences an outcome. For example, "Improved communication was "a central factor in" the team's success".

What are some alternatives to "a central factor in"?

You can use alternatives like "a key component of", "a critical element in", or "a major contributor to" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the central factor in" instead of "a central factor in"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "a central factor in" suggests that it is one of several important factors, while "the central factor in" implies that it is the most important or only significant factor.

What's the difference between "a central factor in" and "an important factor in"?

"A central factor in" emphasizes greater significance and influence than "an important factor in". "Central" suggests the element is vital, while "important" simply means it has some significance.