a critical factor

USAGE SUMMARY

"a critical factor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that is extremely important or decisive in a particular situation. For example: "Access to reliable childcare is a critical factor in ensuring working parents can continue their careers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Body weight became a critical factor.

The New York Times

"Context is a critical factor," he said.

The New York Times

Time, however, could become a critical factor.

The New York Times

It is a critical factor for development.

The Guardian

So age is a critical factor, right?

Yale University

Price will be a critical factor in these considerations.

The Guardian

It is a critical factor in organizational and career success.

Cornell University

Building scale fast is a critical factor, says Mark Zaleski.

The Economist

O'Leary points to this as a critical factor in his plans.

The Guardian - Business

There were signs that financial concerns were a critical factor in the blackouts.

The New York Times

Your editorial on grammar schools (9 September) omits a critical factor: adult education.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a critical factor", ensure that the context clearly establishes what outcome or situation it is critical to. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a critical factor" as a generic placeholder for importance. Always specify why the factor is critical and what it influences, to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical factor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig's AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a critical factor" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to emphasize the importance of something. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various domains like News & Media, Science, and Academia, making it a versatile choice for formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify what the factor is critical to. Alternatives like "a key element" or "a crucial component" can be used to add nuance. Remember to avoid overuse and maintain specificity for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial component

Substitutes "critical" with "crucial", highlighting indispensability.

a key element

Replaces "factor" with "element", suggesting a necessary component.

a determining element

Highlights the role in deciding an outcome.

a major determinant

Indicates something that strongly affects what happens or is.

an important aspect

Focuses on a particular feature or side of something significant.

a fundamental aspect

Underlines the basic or core nature of the factor.

a vital consideration

Emphasizes the need to think carefully about it.

a significant influence

Shifts the focus to the power to affect something.

a primary concern

Focuses on something of utmost importance and worry.

an essential ingredient

Uses the metaphor of cooking to describe a necessary part.

FAQs

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

You can use "a critical factor" to highlight something essential for a specific outcome. For example, "Teamwork is "a critical factor" in the success of this project."

What are some alternatives to "a critical factor"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a key element", "an important aspect", or "a crucial component", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "critical factor" or "important factor"?

"Critical factor" suggests something is indispensable or crucial, while "important factor" indicates something of significant value but not necessarily essential. The best choice depends on the degree of importance you wish to convey.

Can "a critical factor" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "a critical factor" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in very informal contexts, you might opt for more casual language to express the same idea.