a major factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major factor" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to indicate that something is an important and influential element in a situation or outcome. Example sentence: The lack of government support was a major factor in the failure of the small business.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sun is a major factor.

The New York Times

Human error is a major factor.

Independent

Will pension reform be a major factor?

Independent

Overcrowding was a major factor in suicides.

The Guardian

"That's a major factor," Wilson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Persistent poverty is a major factor.

The New York Times

Iran would also be a major factor.

The New Yorker

Low labour costs are a major factor.

The Economist

"A major factor is Farbrace.

The Guardian - Sport

Foul problems have been a major factor.

The New York Times - Sports

A major factor is employment culture.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major factor", ensure the context clearly establishes what the factor influences. Being specific about the consequences or results tied to the factor enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a major factor" when the element in question has only a minor impact. Overstating importance can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major factor" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an element contributing significantly to a situation or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a commonly used expression. Examples show its role in various contexts, from economics to personal behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major factor" is a frequently used phrase for underlining the significant influence of an element within a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples highlight its prevalence across news, media, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, focus on clearly defining what that factor is influencing and avoid overstating its actual impact. While alternatives exist, like "a key element" or "a significant influence", "a major factor" provides a concise way to emphasize importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key element

Replaces "factor" with "element", emphasizing the essential nature of the aspect.

a significant influence

Substitutes "factor" with "influence", focusing on the impact or effect exerted.

a primary reason

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship, where the factor is the main driver.

a crucial component

Emphasizes the role of the factor as an integral part of a larger system.

a central aspect

Focuses on the importance of the factor as a focal point or central consideration.

a vital consideration

Replaces "factor" with "consideration", highlighting something that should be carefully considered.

a driving force

Implies that the factor is a powerful impetus behind an action or event.

an important determinant

Highlights that the factor helps decide or control what something will be.

a critical variable

Emphasizes the factor as a key variable that can significantly affect the outcome.

a leading contributor

Indicates the factor plays a primary role in causing a specific result.

FAQs

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

Use "a major factor" to highlight something that significantly influences an outcome, such as "Lack of funding was "a major factor" in the project's cancellation".

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

You can use alternatives like "a key element", "a significant influence", or "a primary reason" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the major factor" instead of "a major factor"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "the major factor" implies there's only one primary factor, whereas "a major factor" suggests it's one of several important factors.

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

"A major factor" indicates something of significant importance, while "a minor factor" suggests something of lesser importance or influence.