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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a factor of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"a factor of" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to specify a component that is part of a larger concept or thing. For example, "Time was a factor of the project's success."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Maybe a factor of five".
News & Media
That's a factor, of course.
News & Media
It's a factor of being in business".
News & Media
Price is a factor, of course.
News & Media
scores by a factor of two.
News & Media
That's a factor of a million.
News & Media
We will be smarter by a factor of trillions.
News & Media
But we didn't come within a factor of two.
News & Media
Those odds look mean by a factor of about 10.
News & Media
"We were wrong by a factor of five".
News & Media
It's a factor of the weakness of this economy".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a factor of" to describe a numerical relationship, ensure that the context clearly indicates whether it refers to multiplication, division, or some other form of influence. For instance, "increased by a factor of two" is clearer than simply "a factor of two".
Common error
Avoid ambiguity by specifying the direction of change. Saying "reduced a factor of three" can be confusing; instead, clarify with "reduced by a factor of three" or "reduced to a third of its original value."
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a factor of" functions primarily as a modifier or qualifier in sentences. It's used to indicate that something is an element contributing to a situation or to express a proportional relationship. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its common usage in diverse contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
34%
Science
33%
Academia
16%
Less common in
Formal & Business
6%
Wiki
3%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a factor of" is a versatile phrase used to express proportional relationships and highlight influencing elements. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While generally neutral in register, clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity, particularly when quantifying changes. When aiming for precision, consider using alternative phrases like "a component of" or "a determinant of" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Remember to specify the direction of change to avoid confusion.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a component of
Focuses on the part that contributes to a whole, emphasizing composition.
an element of
Emphasizes a basic or essential part of something.
an aspect of
Refers to a particular part or feature of something.
a determinant of
Highlights the role of decisively affecting or influencing an outcome.
a contributor to
Highlights the action of giving or supplying something to a common fund or effect.
a cause of
Indicates the origin or reason behind a particular result.
a consideration in
Emphasizes the act of carefully thinking about something, typically before making a decision.
a multiplier of
Specifically points to a number by which another number is multiplied.
a feature of
Indicates a distinctive attribute or aspect.
a proportion of
Suggests a relative quantity or share of a whole.
FAQs
How can I use "a factor of" in a sentence?
You can use "a factor of" to describe proportional relationships or influential elements. For example, "The price increased by "a factor of two"" or "Time is "a factor of success"".
What are some alternatives to "a factor of"?
Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a component of", "an element of", or "a cause of".
Is it correct to say "a factor of influence"?
While grammatically correct, it's slightly redundant. "Influence" is inherent in the concept of a factor. You could simply say "a factor" or "a factor influencing...".
What's the difference between "increased by a factor of" and "increased to a factor of"?
"Increased by "a factor of"" indicates a multiplicative increase (e.g., doubled, tripled), while "increased to "a factor of"" is less common and might be confusing. Clarify the intended meaning to avoid misinterpretation.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested