a contributing factor

USAGE SUMMARY

"a contributing factor" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has a partial impact, or influences something in some way. For example, "Lack of sleep was seen as a contributing factor to the employee's poor performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fatigue could also be a contributing factor.

The New York Times

Free school choice is a contributing factor.

The Economist

I think that was a contributing factor.

The New York Times - Sports

Is technology a contributing factor?

The Guardian - Books

I think work has been a contributing factor.

The New York Times

(The silence of governments worldwide is a contributing factor too).

The New Yorker

The authors see economic insecurity as a contributing factor.

The Guardian - Opinion

In five others, safety lapses were a contributing factor.

The New York Times

But it certainly appeared to be a contributing factor.

The Washington Post

But clearly, climate change is a contributing factor.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Posterior shoulder tightness is a contributing factor to shoulder injuries.

Musculoskeletal Science and Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a contributing factor", ensure you also acknowledge other potential factors to provide a balanced perspective. For example, "While stress was a contributing factor, diet and exercise also played a role."

Common error

Avoid presenting "a contributing factor" as the sole cause of an event. Overemphasizing its role can lead to inaccurate or incomplete explanations. Always consider and acknowledge other potential influences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contributing factor" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something which adds to a result, though it's not the only thing responsible. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57.63%

Science

37.29%

Wiki

5.08%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1.69%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a contributing factor" is a commonly used phrase to describe something that influences an outcome without being the sole cause. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples shows it’s grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal writing. While useful for nuanced explanations, avoid overstating its importance by acknowledging other influencing elements. Alternatives include "a partial cause" or "an influencing factor". Remember to use it thoughtfully, recognizing the potential for misinterpretation if presented as the definitive explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contributing element

Replaces "factor" with "element", highlighting the part it plays in a larger whole.

an influencing factor

Focuses on the action of influencing rather than the contribution itself.

a partial cause

Emphasizes the aspect of causation, specifying that it's not the sole cause.

playing a role

Focuses on the active participation of the factor in a particular event or situation.

an underlying cause

Implies a deeper, less obvious contribution to an event or situation.

a factor

Omits the nuance of partial contribution, focusing on the element itself.

a determinant

Indicates that the factor plays a decisive role in a particular outcome.

a causative agent

Highlights the role of the factor in bringing about a particular effect.

a component

Highlights its part in a system as a part of something more complex.

a reason

Simplifies the phrase to a general explanation for an event or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "a contributing factor" to indicate something that influences an outcome, but is not the only cause. For example, "Lack of sleep was "a contributing factor" to the accident."

What's the difference between "a contributing factor" and "the main cause"?

"A contributing factor" implies partial influence, while "the main cause" suggests primary responsibility for an outcome. "Stress was "a contributing factor", but not the only one" versus "Stress was the main cause of his illness".

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

You can use alternatives like "a partial cause", "an influencing factor", or "playing a role" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a major contributing factor"?

While not strictly incorrect, "a major contributing factor" can be seen as slightly redundant since "contributing" already implies influence. Consider using "a significant factor" or "a key contributor" for a more concise phrasing.