a confluence of factors

USAGE SUMMARY

"a confluence of factors" is correct and usable in written English as a phrase to describe multiple factors at work.
For example, "My success at the tournament was due to a confluence of factors, including my practice schedule, an understanding coach, and the support of my family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A confluence of factors is a likelier explanation.

The Economist

A confluence of factors has driven the recent deals.

The New York Times

A confluence of factors is at work, current and former officials say.

The New York Times

A confluence of factors has created a more favorable environment for developers.

The New York Times

The nursing homes' predicament has been caused by a confluence of factors.

The New York Times - Health

The report, by a government commission, said the escape on Feb. 27 was the result of "a confluence of factors".

The New York Times

"It was a confluence of factors, and China was clearly an important one," Ms. Barshefsky said today.

The New York Times

The crackdown on baby sleep products was brought about by a confluence of factors.

The New York Times

The group has been gaining traction, because of a confluence of factors.

The New York Times

The double-digit housing price increase is being driven by a confluence of factors.

The New York Times

A confluence of factors have lined up against the farm programs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a confluence of factors", be specific about what those factors are, either in the same sentence or in subsequent sentences. This provides clarity and supports your argument.

Common error

Don't use "a confluence of factors" as a placeholder for actual analysis. Always identify and explain the specific factors involved; otherwise, the phrase becomes a vague cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a confluence of factors" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It is used to indicate that multiple elements or conditions have come together to contribute to a particular outcome. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where it is often used to explain complex events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a confluence of factors" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations arising from multiple contributing causes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is particularly common in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal business writing. When employing this phrase, remember to specify the factors involved to avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "a combination of elements" or "a convergence of circumstances" exist, "a confluence of factors" specifically emphasizes the combined effect of different elements leading to a particular result. This phrase is a strong, accurate way to enrich explanations across different fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a convergence of circumstances

Focuses on the alignment of events or situations rather than general factors.

a combination of elements

Emphasizes the mixture of different parts contributing to a whole.

a mix of determinants

Highlights factors that decisively affect an outcome.

a convergence of influences

Emphasizes the interaction of forces shaping an event or trend.

a concurrence of events

Stresses the coincidental happening of multiple occurrences.

a synthesis of causes

Implies that various reasons are merged to produce an effect.

an interplay of forces

Underscores the interactive relationship between different forces.

a nexus of conditions

Indicates a critical connection point for several conditions.

a tangle of reasons

Suggests a complicated and intertwined set of motivations.

multiple contributing aspects

Simplifies the expression to focus on several parts that add to a result.

FAQs

How do I use "a confluence of factors" in a sentence?

You can use "a confluence of factors" to explain that something resulted from a combination of different causes. For example, "The company's success was due to "a confluence of factors", including innovative marketing, strong leadership, and a dedicated workforce."

What can I say instead of "a confluence of factors"?

You can use alternatives like "a combination of elements", "a mix of determinants", or "multiple contributing aspects" depending on the context.

Is it more accurate to say "a confluence of factors" or "a single factor"?

"A confluence of factors" suggests multiple contributing elements, while "a single factor" implies only one cause. Use the phrase that most accurately represents the situation you are describing. If various elements contributed, "a confluence of factors" is more accurate.

What's the difference between "a confluence of factors" and "a convergence of circumstances"?

"A confluence of factors" refers to a coming together of various contributing elements or reasons, while "a convergence of circumstances" emphasizes the alignment or coincidence of events or situations at a particular time.