a mitigating factor

USAGE SUMMARY

"a mitigating factor" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to refer to a circumstance or situation that can lessen the severity or culpability of something. Example sentence: The defendant's unstable mental state was considered a mitigating factor in the sentencing, resulting in a lighter punishment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And judges often consider warnings a mitigating factor.

Harvard Business Review

He listed Murry's lack of a significant criminal record as a mitigating factor.

The New Yorker

Defense lawyers argued that Mr. Ross has a mental condition that should be a mitigating factor.

The New York Times

In fact, as I'll explain shortly, they're actually a mitigating factor.

The New York Times

Only 3 of the 12 said that was a mitigating factor.

The New York Times

It was a mitigating factor for why he didn't push it.

The New York Times

(Although, contrary to some headlines, just being boozed up isn't listed as a mitigating factor).

The Guardian - Opinion

Voluntary intoxication would also be removed as a mitigating factor for judges and magistrates setting sentences.

The Guardian

A mitigating factor might be the artificial turf at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

Weather, too, was a mitigating factor; rain would increase weight, causing the balloon to sink.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A mitigating factor for local users: Twine's largest market is New York City.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a mitigating factor" in legal or formal writing, clearly state what it is mitigating and its impact on the situation. Providing context helps ensure clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a mitigating factor" as a complete excuse for an action. It lessens the severity but does not eliminate responsibility. Acknowledge the wrongdoing while explaining the mitigating circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mitigating factor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific element or circumstance that reduces the severity or culpability of an action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mitigating factor" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that identifies circumstances which lessen the severity of an action or situation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is frequently found in news, business, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you clearly explain what is being mitigated and how it affects the overall situation. Avoid overstating its significance, as it reduces severity but does not eliminate responsibility. Related phrases include "an extenuating circumstance" and "a factor in mitigation". It is suitable for neutral to formal registers, making it appropriate for professional and official communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a factor in mitigation

Specifies a factor directly related to lessening punishment or blame.

an extenuating circumstance

Focuses on the circumstances that partially excuse an action.

a reason for leniency

Emphasizes the reason to be more lenient.

a justifying reason

Highlights the justification behind a particular action.

a moderating influence

Emphasizes the influence that reduces severity.

a palliative element

Refers to an element that eases or reduces the effect of something.

an explanatory detail

Details that explain or lessen the impact of a situation.

a lessening condition

Highlights the condition that reduces the impact.

a partially excusing element

Focuses on elements that partially excuse a specific action.

a reducing aspect

Aspect that results in a reduction of the initial state.

FAQs

How does the presence of "a mitigating factor" affect a legal judgment?

A mitigating factor can lead to a lighter sentence or reduced charges because it provides context that lessens the severity of the offense. Judges consider these factors when determining the appropriate punishment.

What are some common examples of "a mitigating factor" in criminal cases?

Common examples include lack of prior criminal record, the defendant's age, mental health issues, whether the defendant showed remorse, and the circumstances of the offense.

What's the difference between "a mitigating factor" and "an aggravating factor"?

A mitigating factor reduces the severity of an offense, while an aggravating factor increases it. For example, a defendant's cooperation with authorities might be a mitigating factor, whereas a history of violence would be an aggravating factor.

Can ignorance of the law be considered "a mitigating factor"?

Generally, ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse. However, in specific circumstances, particularly involving complex or obscure laws, it might be considered as a very minor mitigating factor.