a dominant factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dominant factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the most influential or significant element in a particular context or situation. Example: "In determining the success of the project, a dominant factor was the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I don't think he's got a dominant factor," Chaney said.

The New York Times - Sports

The American influence was to remain a dominant factor.

Britannica

Well construction was a dominant factor affecting water quality.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

He led the Huskies with 18 points and was a dominant factor during the first half.

The New York Times - Sports

At that time the Williams sisters were not a dominant factor.

The New York Times - Sports

"A dominant factor in controlling weight is this basic neural circuit," says Friedman.

MIT Technology Review

Gambling, by itself, does not seem to be a dominant factor in driving the suicide rate, Dr. Fildes said.

The New York Times

I don't know if carry us is the right word, but he can certainly be a dominant factor.

The New York Times - Sports

Soon they became captains and owners, and by the end of the century a dominant factor in the industry.

University of California, Berkeley

Young people are exactly right to think that luck plays a dominant factor in economic success.

The New York Times

Education doesn't seem to be a dominant factor in whether a job is done primarily by men or women.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dominant factor", ensure you clearly explain what it influences to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "Cost was a dominant factor", specify "Cost was a dominant factor in the project's delay".

Common error

Avoid assuming "a dominant factor" is the only factor. Acknowledge other contributing elements to provide a balanced and accurate perspective. Using qualifiers like 'primary' or 'major' can help temper the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dominant factor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object complement within a sentence. It identifies a particularly influential element. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is often used to point out key influencers in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

31%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dominant factor" is a commonly used phrase to emphasize the most influential element in a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academia. While it's important to acknowledge the existence of other contributing factors, this phrase effectively highlights the primary influence. When writing, remember to clearly specify what "a dominant factor" influences and avoid overstating its exclusivity. Consider alternatives like "a primary driver" or "a key influence" to add nuance to your expression. The extensive examples available through Ludwig demonstrate the phrase's versatility and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key influence

Emphasizes the impact on something, highlighting its importance.

a significant element

Highlights the importance of one element among others.

a primary driver

Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting the driving force behind something.

a crucial aspect

Emphasizes the critical nature of a particular feature or consideration.

a major determinant

Highlights the decisive role in defining or shaping an outcome.

a decisive influence

Highlights the quality of determining something conclusively.

a principal component

Refers to one of the most important parts that make up the whole.

a powerful force

Emphasizes the strength and impact of an influence.

a leading cause

Specifically refers to the origin of an event or condition, usually negative.

a central theme

Highlights the main idea or subject that recurs throughout a discussion or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "a dominant factor" to highlight the most influential element in a situation. For example, "In this study, temperature was "a dominant factor" affecting the snow cover".

What are some alternatives to saying "a dominant factor"?

You can use alternatives like "a primary driver", "a key influence", or "a major determinant" depending on the context.

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

Both are grammatically correct, but "the dominant factor" implies there is only one most important factor, while "a dominant factor" suggests it is one of several significant factors.

What's the difference between "a dominant factor" and "a major factor"?

"A dominant factor" suggests a stronger influence or prevalence than "a major factor". Dominant implies more control or impact, while major simply means significant.