a limiting factor

USAGE SUMMARY

'a limiting factor' is a perfectly valid phrase which is usable in written English.
It is a term used to describe the bounds of a given situation or context, and is often used in the context of economics or business. For example: "The availability of funding remains one of the most limiting factors when it comes to expanding our business operations".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Age isn't a limiting factor for jockeys.

The New Yorker

"We're not anyone's core sport, and that's a limiting factor".

The New York Times - Sports

Still, political and economic risk remains a limiting factor.

The New York Times

At Nef, Coote questions whether pay should be seen as a limiting factor.

The Guardian

The willingness of the interviewees to accept the I.A.E.A. preferred modalities remains a limiting factor.

The New York Times

The condition can be a limiting factor for the length of missions that astronauts can endure.

The Guardian

But Boeing does not see passenger stamina as a limiting factor.

The New York Times - Travel

He admits, however, that competitive sensitivities might be a limiting factor.

The Guardian

That could making runway length a limiting factor in some cases.

The New York Times

Facebook is now so big that the population of the earth is a limiting factor in its future expansion plans.

The Guardian - Tech

I realised it didn't have to be a limiting factor and it's best just to get on living life.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a limiting factor", ensure you clearly identify what is being limited and the specific context. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is "a limiting factor" without providing specific details or examples. Instead, explain how it limits the situation to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a limiting factor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that imposes a restriction or constraint. As Ludwig explains, this term defines bounds within a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a limiting factor" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to identify constraints or restrictions in various scenarios. As Ludwig underlines, this phrase is usable in written English and is often used in economics or business. Its usage spans across science, news, and business contexts, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While alternatives like "a constraint" or "a bottleneck" exist, the phrase remains a clear and effective way to highlight elements that impede progress or potential. When employing this phrase, clarity and specific details are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key limitation

Emphasizes the significance and restrictiveness of the factor.

a critical constraint

Highlights the factor as a necessary condition that limits possibilities.

a constraint

Focuses on the restriction imposed rather than the element causing it.

a bottleneck

Emphasizes the point where progress is slowed or stopped.

an impediment

Highlights the hindering aspect of the factor.

a restriction

Stresses the limitation imposed on possibilities.

a hindrance

Focuses on the obstacle or difficulty caused.

a barrier

Implies a more significant obstacle that prevents progress.

a challenge

Indicates a problem that needs to be overcome.

a stumbling block

Emphasizes the factor as something that causes one to falter.

FAQs

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

You can use "a limiting factor" to describe something that restricts progress or potential, such as "Lack of funding was "a limiting factor" in the project's success".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a limiting factor"?

Some alternatives include "a constraint", "a bottleneck", or "a restriction". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "limiting factor" or "limit factor"?

"Limiting factor" is the correct and more commonly used term. "Limit factor" is not a standard English phrase.

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

"A limiting factor" restricts or hinders progress, while "a contributing factor" helps or aids in a particular outcome. They have opposite meanings.