a decisive element of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive element of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance or critical nature of a particular component within a larger context or situation. Example: "The funding was a decisive element of the project's success, enabling us to achieve our goals on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

His case is among several in recent years to call into question some of the scientific principles that once guided fire investigations — including the idea that multiple and independent points of a fire's origin were proof of arson, a decisive element of Mr. Taylor's prosecution.

The New York Times

Whatever side of the political fence you reside on, his ability to distance himself from his party's economic brand forged a decisive element of his appeal to at least a certain segment of working-class American citizens on either side of the political fence.

Forbes

Of particular interest in this context is, if Fiji's political orientation after 2006 has just been a temporary necessity born out of political isolation or if Fiji's policy of fostering South South relations will remain a decisive element of the country's foreign policy in the long term.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

Ubiquitin ligase (E3) is a decisive element of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which is the main pathway for intracellular protein turnover.

Clinical Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Thereby it becomes apparent that controlling the reward distribution function is a decisive element for the success of meta-organizations.

Journal of Organization Design

This is a decisive element for methanol producers to increase their production tonnage.

Journal of Cleaner Production

Although the final climb here is not particularly formidable, it repeatedly proved to be a decisive element in most of the cross-country races during these Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

We conclude that VTA astrocytes orchestrate temporal control of dopamine neuron firing, rendering them a decisive element in the circuit computation of avoidance, and promising targets for new therapeutic strategies to intervene in pathological disorders of behavior.

Nature

As usual, Picasso (then creating "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," his own monumental riposte to "Le Bonheur de Vivre") was onto something: pattern was a decisive element in Matisse's kind of picture, which applied a passion for decorated fabrics that began in his childhood.

The New Yorker

The ownership of the process of elimination by endemic countries is a decisive element, and sociopolitical stability and security are required to apply the strategies for elimination.

Clinical Epidemiology

Approved transfers between chapters are a decisive element in establishing internal resource levels at the disposal of programme managers, determining their capacity to deliver planned outputs.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decisive element of" when you want to emphasize that something is not just important, but critically determines an outcome or direction. Ensure that the context clearly highlights the element's pivotal role.

Common error

Avoid using "a decisive element of" when the element in question is merely contributory or supportive. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility. Reserve it for elements that genuinely make or break the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive element of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It emphasizes the critical role of a specific component in influencing a particular outcome or situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decisive element of" is a phrase used to underscore the critical importance of a particular factor in determining an outcome. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically correct and usable, it appears with relatively low frequency and is used across various contexts including News & Media, Science and Formal & Business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure the context genuinely reflects the determinative impact of the element being described. Alternatives such as ""a key factor in"" or ""a critical component of"" can offer similar emphasis with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key factor in

Emphasizes the importance of the element as a contributing cause or influence.

a critical component of

Highlights the essential nature of the element as part of a larger system.

a pivotal aspect of

Stresses the turning-point or crucial nature of the element.

an essential part of

Focuses on the necessity of the element for completeness or functionality.

a significant determinant of

Emphasizes the element's role in shaping an outcome or result.

an influential component in

Highlights the element's power to affect or change something.

a major contributor to

Focuses on the element's significant contribution to an overall effect or outcome.

a central aspect of

Underscores the element's position as a core or fundamental consideration.

a crucial influence on

Emphasizes the element's impact and effect on a particular situation.

a vital ingredient for

Highlights that the element is an essential ingredient required for success or completion.

FAQs

How can I use "a decisive element of" in a sentence?

Use "a decisive element of" to highlight something critically important. For example: "Clear communication was "a decisive element of" the project's success."

What's a good alternative to "a decisive element of"?

Alternatives include "a key factor in", "a critical component of", or "a pivotal aspect of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "a decisive element of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a decisive element of" is suitable for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the critical importance of something. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong assertion.

What makes "a decisive element of" different from "an important element of"?

"A decisive element of" implies that the element directly determines the outcome, whereas "an important element of" simply suggests it has a significant impact but doesn't necessarily guarantee a specific result.