a key determinant of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key determinant of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing factors that significantly influence or determine an outcome or result. Example: "Education is often considered a key determinant of socioeconomic status."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We know from our own work that emotional wellbeing is a key determinant of life chances.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this case, the "how" then became both the essence of the event and a key determinant of its consequences.

The Guardian

Sect and ethnicity was thus a key determinant of who was chosen.

The New York Times

Research is a key determinant of health improvement.

Research Policy

Technology is seen as a key determinant of productivity.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Habitat destruction is a key determinant of species extinction.

Ecological Modelling

Service reliability is a key determinant of public transport performance.

Transport Policy

International technological diffusion is a key determinant of cross-country differences in economic performance.

Research Policy

Supply chain agility is a key determinant of competitiveness in today's dynamic and turbulent business environment.

Measurement

The cure conversion is a key determinant of the characteristics of many thermosetting polymers.

Polymer

Education is a key determinant of fertility choices1, and its effects may occur through different channels.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key determinant of", ensure that the relationship between the determinant and the outcome is clearly articulated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a key determinant of" when the factor is only marginally influential. Use qualifiers like "a contributing factor" if the impact isn't substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key determinant of" functions as a nominal phrase that identifies something as being crucially important in influencing or deciding the nature of something else. Ludwig's examples illustrate its function across diverse fields like science and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a key determinant of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression across various domains, particularly in science, news, and formal business contexts. According to Ludwig, it signifies a crucial factor that significantly influences an outcome. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in the relationship between the determinant and the outcome, and avoid overstating the determinant's influence if it's only a contributing factor. Alternatives like "a crucial factor for" or "a significant influence on" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial factor for

Replaces "determinant" with "factor" and uses "for" instead of "of".

a significant influence on

Substitutes "determinant" with "influence", focusing on the act of affecting something.

a major factor in

Uses "major" instead of "key" to emphasize the importance of the factor.

a primary driver of

Emphasizes the causal aspect, where the phrase is something that propels something else.

a critical element for

Replaces "determinant" with "element", suggesting a necessary component.

a vital component of

Similar to "critical element", highlighting the essential nature of the component.

an important aspect of

Focuses on a specific part or feature that is significant.

a central point in

Highlights something of main relevance.

a deciding factor for

Emphasizes the role of the phrase in making a decision.

a leading cause of

Indicates the phrase is a primary reason or origin of something.

FAQs

How do I use "a key determinant of" in a sentence?

Use "a key determinant of" to indicate that something significantly influences or decides an outcome. For example, "Education is "a key determinant of" future success."

What are some alternatives to "a key determinant of"?

You can use alternatives such as "a crucial factor for", "a significant influence on", or "a major factor in" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a key determinant of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a key determinant of" is suitable for formal writing. It is frequently used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to describe important factors.

What is the difference between "a key determinant of" and "a contributing factor to"?

"A key determinant of" implies a more significant and decisive role, while "a contributing factor to" suggests a less dominant but still relevant influence.