a key contributing factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key contributing factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight an important element that plays a significant role in a particular situation or outcome. Example: "The research indicates that a key contributing factor to the success of the project was the team's collaboration and communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

A key contributing factor to early onset childhood is socialization to the eating and mealtime environment.

Journal of Pediatric Health Care

A key contributing factor to the decline in revenues for small players may be the industry-wide transition to the upgraded 802.11ac standard access points, with 802.11n expected to be obsolete by the end of 2018.

Forbes

Like previous assessments, the academy's report cites as a key contributing factor to the disaster the "failure of the plant owner [Tokyo Electric Power Co.] and the principal regulator [the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency] to protect critical safety equipment at the plant from flooding in spite of mounting evidence that the plant's current design basis for tsunamis was inadequate".

Science Magazine

The transmembrane span of HER2 has long been implicated as a key contributing factor to self-association and activation control.

Breast Cancer Research

A key contributing factor in delayed apoptosis seems to be the granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) [ 29- 31].

BMC Veterinary Research

A key contributing factor behind this has been sustained support from UNICEF and The European Commission since 2005 to strengthen the national health promotion capacity.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

A relationship between RA and abnormalities in the lipid profile has been observed for several decades [ 48], with the key contributing factor thought to be inflammation [ 49].

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Key contributing factors differed between providers and patients.

Duke University

This review summarizes the background, key definitions, contributing factors, impact, prevention, and management of disruptive behavior.

Stanford University

The μ-opioid receptor encoded by the OPRM1 gene is a key factor contributing to drug addiction [ 5].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Gene duplication is a key factor contributing to phenotype diversity across and within species.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key contributing factor", ensure it is followed by a clear explanation of how the factor influences the situation. This provides context and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a key contributing factor" when the factor is only minor or speculative. Ensure there is sufficient evidence to support its significance to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key contributing factor" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an element with significant influence on a particular outcome or situation. It serves to highlight the importance of a specific factor among many possible influences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key contributing factor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize the importance of a particular element in influencing an outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and business communications. While the phrase is versatile, be mindful of its emphasis; ensure the factor is indeed significant to maintain credibility. Consider alternatives like "a major cause" or "a primary driver" to vary your language. Remember to clearly explain the relationship between the factor and its effect for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major contributing element

Replaces "factor" with "element" and "key" with "major", emphasizing the substantial role.

a primary driver

Substitutes the entire phrase with a more concise term, focusing on the driving force.

a significant influence

Replaces "contributing factor" with "influence", highlighting the impact it has.

a crucial component

Emphasizes the essential part played by the factor.

a vital element

Similar to 'crucial component' but uses element instead of component.

a central reason

Focuses on the reasoning aspect of the factor.

a main cause

Highlights the causal relationship of the factor.

an important aspect

Shifts the focus to the aspect of importance.

a notable determinant

Uses 'determinant' to emphasize that the factor greatly affects an outcome.

a critical variable

Highlights the variable aspect of the factor.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key contributing factor" to highlight an important element that plays a significant role in a particular situation. For example, "Lack of funding was "a key contributing factor" in the project's failure."

What are some alternatives to "a key contributing factor"?

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

Is it redundant to say "a key contributing factor"?

While "contributing factor" already implies importance, using "key" emphasizes the significance of that specific factor relative to others. The level of emphasis depends on the context.

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

"A key contributing factor" emphasizes that the factor is particularly important or significant, whereas "a contributing factor" simply acknowledges that the factor plays a role, without necessarily highlighting its importance.