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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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a factor of

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe a factor of five".

That's a factor, of course.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It's a factor of being in business".

News & Media

The New York Times

Price is a factor, of course.

scores by a factor of two.

That's a factor of a million.

We will be smarter by a factor of trillions.

News & Media

The New York Times

But we didn't come within a factor of two.

Those odds look mean by a factor of about 10.

"We were wrong by a factor of five".

News & Media

The New Yorker

It's a factor of the weakness of this economy".

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

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."

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: