a defining factor of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a defining factor of' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase expresses the idea that something is an essential feature or characteristic of something else. For example, you could say, "Education is a defining factor of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

That last bit – loneliness – was such a defining factor of domestic life for my mother and women of her generation who, unlike me, too often had no genuine intellectual or professional occupation to escape into.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, have once again made the nation consider the durability of racial injustice as a defining factor of the American experience.

HuffPost

Many previous researches have demonstrated the importance of CD133 as a defining factor of the cancer stem cell phenotype, including human liver cell line [ 19] and hepatocellular carcinoma [ 32].

BMC Cancer

The way in which Mr. Jones bridged the eras is a defining factor of his art.

The New York Times - Arts

Climate change is a defining factor of this generation, and yet while scientists unanimously warn of the inevitability of climate change, it remains a looming specter.

Stanford University

Cold temperatures provide a finite limit in which life can remain active in the majority of ecosystems found on Earth and are a defining factor of 'habitability' in the search for life on Mars and elsewhere in our solar system (Fairén et al., 2010; McKay et al., 2012).

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Therefore control of SIRT1 activity may be a defining factor for the initiation of a Foxp3-dependent transcriptional program and the development of Treg.

Plosone

"The conflict in Ukraine is a defining factor for the future of European security," the report said.

Independent

Being treated as an outsider, despite coming from the same country might be a defining factor for a lot of young Muslims.

Vice

With poverty a defining factor in some of the large communities in and around Quetta, children belonging to these communities are often forced to work and contribute to the family's earnings.

Unicef

Clearly, the environment of an MSC is a critical defining factor of its identity.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a defining factor of", ensure that the factor you are highlighting truly distinguishes the subject from others in its category. Avoid using it for factors that are merely common or typical.

Common error

Avoid using "a defining factor of" when the factor in question is only one of many contributing elements. This phrase implies a primary or essential characteristic, so reserve it for cases where the factor has a particularly significant impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defining factor of" functions as a nominal phrase that introduces a noun or noun phrase which serves as an essential characteristic or element that significantly shapes or determines something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defining factor of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a key characteristic or element. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. It appears most frequently in news and media and science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the factor truly distinguishes the subject, avoiding overstatement. Alternatives such as "a key element of" or "a crucial component of" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "a defining factor of" is a valuable phrase for highlighting what makes something truly distinct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key element of

Focuses on a crucial component rather than a factor.

a central aspect of

Highlights the importance of an attribute or characteristic.

a crucial component of

Emphasizes the role of a constituent piece, rather than a cause or influence.

a core attribute of

Focuses on an inherent quality or characteristic.

a fundamental characteristic of

Highlights the basic and essential nature of the attribute.

a primary driver of

Highlights the driving force behind an event or situation.

a significant influence on

Emphasizes the impact or effect rather than a defining element.

a major determinant of

Stresses the causal role in deciding an outcome.

a critical determinant of

Indicates the importance and decisive role in influencing an outcome.

an essential feature of

Highlights the necessity and indispensability of the attribute.

FAQs

How can I use "a defining factor of" in a sentence?

Use "a defining factor of" to emphasize a key characteristic or element that significantly shapes or determines something. For example, "Innovation is "a defining factor of" successful tech companies".

What are some alternatives to "a defining factor of"?

You can use alternatives like "a key element of", "a central aspect of", or "a crucial component of" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "a defining factor"?

While "defining factor" implies a significant characteristic, using the full phrase "a defining factor of" clarifies the relationship and provides context. Redundancy depends on the surrounding sentence structure and intended emphasis.

What's the difference between "a defining factor of" and "a key factor of"?

"A defining factor of" suggests something is essential or characteristic, whereas "a key factor of" simply indicates something is important. The former implies a more intrinsic or determinative quality.