a key factor in

USAGE SUMMARY

"a key factor in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce an important element that affects something else. For example: "Proper nutrition is a key factor in maintaining optimal health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"A key factor in parkour is gradualism," he said.

The New Yorker

So why isn't it a key factor in the marketing?

The Guardian - Tech

Forestry is a key factor in northern Manitoba's economy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bucks Coach George Karl said Collins was a key factor in the Nets' victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Royal Holloway Stress is a key factor in causing bee colonies to fail, research finds.

The Guardian

Defense has been a key factor in Sheepshead Bay's success this season.

The New York Times - Sports

It is certain that Arkhipov's reputation was a key factor in the control room debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

It absolutely could be a key factor in the coming election".

The Guardian - Business

Technology will be a key factor in holding temperatures to a modest level.

The Guardian

The insecurity was a key factor in the exodus, according to residents.

The Guardian

Allegri's tactical modifications were a key factor in Juve's treble bid.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key factor in", ensure that the sentence clearly explains what is being influenced or affected. This provides context and clarifies the significance of the factor.

Common error

Avoid using "a key factor in" when the element is only a minor influence. Overstating its importance can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key factor in" functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing a noun or noun phrase that is identified as significantly contributing to a particular situation or outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key factor in" is a versatile and widely used phrase for highlighting the importance of an element within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various writing styles. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, ensuring the identified factor truly plays a significant role. Alternatives such as "a major element in" or "a crucial component of" can provide variety while maintaining the intended meaning. The phrase's frequent presence in news, science, and business contexts underscores its broad applicability and reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major element in

Emphasizes the significant part played in something.

a crucial component of

Highlights that something is essential and vital.

a significant influence on

Focuses on the power to affect someone or something.

a primary contributor to

Stresses the role of something in actively bringing about a result.

an integral part of

Highlights that something is necessary to complete the whole.

a vital aspect of

Emphasizes that something is necessary for the success or continued existence of something.

a central aspect of

Highlights the importance of something as the focal point.

a critical element for

Implies a high degree of importance and necessity.

a notable influence within

Highlights the remarkable effect that something has.

a driving force behind

Implies that something is the impetus or motivation for an action or outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "a key factor in" to highlight something crucial influencing an outcome. For example, "Motivation is "a key factor in" achieving success".

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

You can use alternatives like "a major element in", "a crucial component of", or "a significant influence on" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "key factor for" or "key factor in"?

"A key factor in" is generally preferred because it indicates that something is influential within a particular context or situation. "Key factor for" can be used, but it's less common.

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

"A key factor" suggests one of several important elements, while "the key factor" implies that it is the single most important element.