a decisive factor in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive factor in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an important element that significantly influences an outcome or decision. Example: "The research findings were a decisive factor in the committee's decision to approve the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For Bach, the inclusion of sustainability in the curriculum as well as throughout campus life was a decisive factor in her decision to study there.

The Guardian

Stability is a decisive factor in the design of domes.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Student movements have long been a decisive factor in Latin American politics.

The New York Times

The injustice he saw was, Aslan suggests, a decisive factor in radicalising him.

The Guardian - Books

This may have been a decisive factor in his sudden transfer to The Hague.

The Guardian

Ralph Nader, who garnered 22,000 votes, was a decisive factor in Al Gore's loss.

The New York Times

A decisive factor in its ratings, a Michelin spokesman said, is letters from readers.

The New York Times - Travel

Whether cognitively mobilized or not, however, independent voters are often a decisive factor in elections.

Britannica

But some experts say it should never be a decisive factor in a teacher's future.

The Washington Post

The running costs of production sites are a decisive factor in the overhead of automotive production.

Journal of Cleaner Production

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The search for new non-routine emotions and sensations has become a decisive factor in taking part in adventure tourism.

Tourism Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in close proximity. If you find yourself repeating the phrase, consider using synonyms like "key element" or "critical influence" to add variety.

Common error

Be careful not to exaggerate the decisiveness of the factor if other elements also play a significant role. Qualify the statement if necessary by saying it was "among the decisive factors" or "a highly decisive factor."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive factor in" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is deemed grammatically correct and suitable for use in various writing contexts. Examples show it highlights a crucial element influencing an outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the analysis indicates that "a decisive factor in" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that highlights a crucial element influencing an outcome. Ludwig AI supports its appropriate usage across a diverse range of contexts. It functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Its primary communicative purpose is to emphasize importance in bringing about a specific result. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science" sources, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, suitable for objective reporting and scholarly discussion. Related phrases include "a critical factor in" and "a key element in", offering alternative ways to express the same idea. When using "a decisive factor in", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the significant impact and avoid overstating the decisiveness of the factor if other elements also play a role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical factor in

Replaces "decisive" with "critical", emphasizing the essential nature of the factor.

a key factor in

Uses "key" to highlight the importance and centrality of the factor.

an essential element in

Shifts from "factor" to "element", focusing on a necessary component.

a significant influence on

Changes the structure to emphasize the influence exerted by the factor.

a major consideration for

Focuses on the factor as something to be carefully considered.

a primary driver of

Highlights the factor as a driving force behind something.

a central component of

Emphasizes the factor's role as a core part of something.

a crucial aspect of

Substitutes "factor" with "aspect", focusing on a particular feature.

a determining influence on

Similar to "significant influence", but with a stronger sense of finality.

a game-changing element in

Implies the factor has the power to alter the course of something dramatically.

FAQs

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

Use "a decisive factor in" to indicate something that strongly influences a decision or outcome. For example, "Her experience was "a decisive factor in" her getting the job."

What can I say instead of "a decisive factor in"?

You can use alternatives like "a critical factor in", "a key element in", or "a significant influence on" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "decisive factor for" or "decisive factor in"?

While both prepositions can be used, "a decisive factor in" is generally preferred when referring to something that influences a particular outcome or decision. "Decisive factor for" can be used when the factor is related to a purpose or goal.

What is the difference between "a decisive factor in" and "a contributing factor in"?

"A decisive factor in" implies a significant and often determining influence, while "a contributing factor in" simply means something that played a part, though not necessarily the most important one.