a major contributing factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major contributing factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing elements that significantly influence or play a role in a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The lack of funding was identified as a major contributing factor to the project's failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A major contributing factor is the renal excretion of the majority of these agents.

Insights into Imaging

The extreme cold weather over the last few weeks was a major contributing factor in the break, Ms. Millner said.

The New York Times

The use of kerosene stoves are a major contributing factor.

Burns

Replication repair deficiency was a major contributing factor.

Cell

Impaired balance control is a major contributing factor.

Journal of Safety Research

But nowadays, the intake noise is a major contributing factor to automotive passenger compartment noise levels.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Wind erosion is a major contributing factor to soil degradation and environmental pollution.

Geoderma

These cracks are a major contributing factor to pavement damage, in addition to being a major contributing factor to the formation of reflection cracks.

Construction and Building Materials

This could be a major contributing factor to the accelerated deterioration of flexible pavement.

European Transport Research Review

This standardization is a major contributing factor to the success of CRM.

Annals of Intensive Care

Windblown soil can also be a major contributing factor into salinity of PPT.

Applied Water Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major contributing factor", ensure the context clearly establishes the outcome or situation being influenced. Be specific about what it contributes to.

Common error

Avoid using "a major contributing factor" without clearly specifying what it's contributing to. This can lead to vague or meaningless statements. Always connect the phrase to a specific result or outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major contributing factor" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something as a significant cause or influence in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major contributing factor" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to denote something of significant influence. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It is most prevalent in scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the outcome or situation being influenced. Common alternatives include "a key determinant" and "a primary driver". The phrase effectively communicates the importance of a factor in a clear and direct manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key determinant

Focuses on the aspect of being decisive or crucial in determining an outcome.

a primary driver

Emphasizes the aspect of initiating or propelling a certain result.

a significant element

Highlights the importance of an element in the overall composition or situation.

a crucial component

Stresses the necessity and importance of the component.

a vital ingredient

Implies that something is essential and necessary for success.

a leading cause

Specifically refers to the reason something happens, particularly negative outcomes.

a substantial influence

Indicates that something has a considerable effect on something else.

a potent factor

Highlights the effectiveness and strength of the factor.

a considerable aspect

Suggests the aspect has a significant impact or role.

an important variable

Highlights that the variable can change the outcome in a noticeable way.

FAQs

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

Use "a major contributing factor" to highlight something that significantly influences an outcome. For example, "Lack of exercise is "a major contributing factor" to heart disease."

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

You can use alternatives like "a key determinant", "a primary driver", or "a significant element" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the major contributing factor is" or "a major contributing factor is"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a major contributing factor" implies there might be other contributing factors, while "the major contributing factor" suggests it's the most important or only factor. Therefore, use the indefinite article 'a' rather than 'the' to denote that other influences or variables were also at play.

What is the difference between "a major contributing factor" and "a minor contributing factor"?

"A major contributing factor" has a significant impact, while "a minor contributing factor" has a small or less important impact. The choice depends on the degree of influence you want to convey.