a contributing factor to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a contributing factor to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to something that has a role in causing a particular outcome or result. For example, "Poor communication was a contributing factor to the breakdown of the group's project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That said, we do know that magnesium chloride is a contributing factor to some outages".

The New York Times - Science

Four weeks on, do I think race was a contributing factor to my defeat?

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was a contributing factor to tension between us," Ms. Worth said.

The New York Times

But he noted that the stress of an eviction or another crisis could also be a contributing factor to pneumonia.

The New York Times

"Well," he said, "I think it was a contributing factor to a triple bypass I had about 18 months later.

The New York Times

This may be a contributing factor to the historically low approval of Congress today, even among Republican voters.

The Guardian

We believe this is a contributing factor to the stop-and-search figures.

Independent

Sure, salt is a contributing factor to high blood pressure, at least in some people.

The New York Times

"It would be premature to speculate whether the overexposure was a contributing factor to their death".

The New York Times

Verdasco's first serve percentage was a contributing factor to the problem.

The New York Times

It found an increasingly idle lifestyle might be a contributing factor to declining sperm levels.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a contributing factor to", ensure you're not overstating the influence. It indicates partial influence, not sole responsibility. Use it when multiple elements contribute to the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a contributing factor to" when something is the primary or sole cause. This diminishes the impact of other potential influences and may lead to inaccurate representations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contributing factor to" functions as a modifier, indicating something that has an influence or role in a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI suggests, it identifies partial causation rather than sole responsibility. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across varied subject matters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a contributing factor to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate partial causation or influence, without assigning sole responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for academic, news, and professional contexts. When using this phrase, remember to avoid overstating the influence and to acknowledge other potential causes. The phrase's frequency across diverse sources, including The New York Times and scientific journals, highlights its common usage and acceptance. Remember to consider alternatives like "a factor in" or "an element contributing to" to vary your language while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a factor in

Shorter and more direct; implies influence without necessarily being a primary cause.

an element contributing to

More formal and emphasizes the role of being one part of a larger influence.

a partial cause of

Highlights that the phrase is only part of the full cause.

plays a role in

Emphasizes the action or influence that something exerts.

partly responsible for

Focuses on the accountability aspect of the influencing element.

an influence on

A broader term that indicates an effect without specifying the degree.

a determinant of

A more forceful term suggesting a significant influence.

a component of

Highlights that the phrase is one of multiple parts.

helps to create

Focuses on the creation or generation of something.

assists in producing

Similar to helping, but more explicitly about producing something.

FAQs

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

Use "a contributing factor to" when you want to indicate that something is one of several causes or influences. For example, "Stress can be "a contributing factor to" heart disease".

What are some alternatives to "a contributing factor to"?

You can use alternatives like "a factor in", "an element contributing to", or "partly responsible for" depending on the specific context.

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

While "the contributing factor" can be used, it implies that it is the only or the most important factor. "A contributing factor" is generally more accurate when multiple factors are involved. For example, prefer "Alcohol abuse was "a contributing factor to" his health issues".

How does "a contributing factor to" differ from "the main reason for"?

"A contributing factor to" suggests partial influence, while "the main reason for" indicates the primary or most significant cause. Using "a contributing factor" suggests the influence is shared among several elements, unlike "the main reason", which points to a single cause.