a factor

USAGE SUMMARY

"a factor" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is relevant or contributes to a situation. For example: Temperature is an important factor when choosing outdoor clothing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Marginally, it's a factor.

The New York Times - Sports

Parking was a factor.

The New York Times

"That was a factor".

The New York Times

Strikes are a factor.

The Economist

I'm a factor".

The New Yorker

"It wasn't a factor".

The New York Times

So that's a factor.

The New York Times

Was fatigue a factor?

The New York Times - Sports

That's a factor.

Independent

Age is also a factor.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Age is a factor.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a factor", ensure the sentence clearly explains what it influences or contributes to. Avoid vague statements that don't specify the impact of the factor.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of "a factor" when it's only a minor influence. Use qualifying words like 'minor factor' or 'contributing factor' to accurately represent its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a factor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes something that contributes causally to a result or outcome. Examples show its integration into various sentence structures, indicating its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a factor" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate something that contributes to a particular situation or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and versatility in various sentence structures. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, carrying a neutral tone suitable for diverse applications. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what the "factor" influences, and be cautious about overstating its importance. Related phrases like "a contributing element" or "a relevant consideration" may offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contributing element

Emphasizes the role as a part that contributes to a whole.

a relevant consideration

Highlights the importance of considering it when making a decision.

an influential aspect

Focuses on the power or effect it has on the outcome.

a key component

Stresses that it's an essential part of a larger system or process.

a significant variable

Used particularly in scientific or statistical contexts.

a determining influence

Implies it plays a crucial role in defining an outcome.

an important item

Highlights its relevance or weight in a specific situation.

a major cause

Suggests it is a primary reason for something happening.

a driving force

Suggests that it strongly influences events or decisions.

a consideration

General term suggesting the importance of including something in a decision.

FAQs

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

Use "a factor" to indicate something that contributes to a particular result or situation. For instance, "Cost is "a factor" in their decision."

What are some alternatives to using "a factor"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a contributing element", "a relevant consideration", or "an influential aspect".

Is it grammatically correct to say 'factor' instead of "a factor"?

While "factor" can be used on its own, using "a factor" is often more appropriate when referring to one specific element among others that influence a situation. Saying "factor" without the article is correct in sentences like "Consider the factors involved."

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

"A factor" refers to one of many contributing elements, while "the factor" implies that it is the primary or only element influencing a situation. For example, you might say "Price was "a factor"", meaning one of many things that mattered or you might say "Price was "the factor"", if price was what mattered most.