a major factor in

USAGE SUMMARY

"a major factor in" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that has a significant impact on a situation, outcome, or decision. Example: Stress is a major factor in the decline of mental and physical health in modern society.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Overcrowding was a major factor in suicides.

The Guardian

Speed is a major factor in motorway crashes.

The Guardian

Think racism isn't a major factor in this election?

The New York Times

Poverty is a major factor in children leaving school early.

The Guardian

Money would be a major factor in a Vaughn deal.

The New York Times - Sports

Eyewitness error is a major factor in wrongful convictions.

The New York Times

Yet race remains a major factor in our politics.

The New York Times

It will be a major factor in how they vote".

The New York Times

Comfort level is a major factor in hugging protocol.

The New York Times

Race still plays a major factor in the equation.

The New Yorker

A major factor in the difference is the regulatory environment.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Support your claim that something is "a major factor in" with evidence or examples. This adds credibility to your statement and makes your argument more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "a major factor in" when the element is only a minor contributor. Ensure that the factor genuinely has a significant impact to maintain accuracy and avoid exaggerating its role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major factor in" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something as a significant cause or influence. Ludwig AI affirms its widespread usage, and examples show its role in highlighting key determinants across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major factor in" is a common and correct phrase used to emphasize a significant influence on an outcome or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the element genuinely has a substantial impact and support your claims with evidence. While generally neutral, it's crucial to avoid overstating the importance of minor contributors and select alternative phrases like "a key element in" or "a significant contributor to" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key element in

Emphasizes the essential nature of the factor, highlighting its importance for success or understanding.

a significant contributor to

Highlights the role of the factor as actively adding to or causing a particular outcome.

plays a critical role in

Focuses on the active involvement and importance of the factor in a process or situation.

is instrumental in

Suggests the factor is crucial and indispensable for achieving a specific result.

a primary driver of

Indicates the factor is a leading force or cause behind a particular development or trend.

a central component of

Highlights the factor as a necessary and integrated part of a larger system or structure.

a vital aspect of

Underscores the importance of the factor as essential for the well-being or proper functioning of something.

heavily influences

Focuses on the strong effect the factor has on something else.

is largely responsible for

Emphasizes the degree of accountability the factor has, it is more specific than the original sentence.

a considerable influence on

Highlights the notable impact of the factor, changing from a noun to a verb.

FAQs

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

Use "a major factor in" to highlight something significantly influencing an outcome. For instance, "Economic policy is "a major factor in" reducing unemployment."

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

You can use alternatives such as "a key element in", "a significant contributor to", or "plays a critical role in" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to quantify "a major factor in"?

While not always necessary, quantifying the impact of ""a major factor in"" can strengthen your argument. Use statistics or specific examples when possible.

What's the difference between "a major factor in" and "a minor factor in"?

"A major factor in" signifies a significant influence, while "a minor factor in" indicates a less important or consequential element. The choice depends on the actual degree of influence.