a potent factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a potent factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a strong influence or effect on a situation or outcome. Example: "The economic downturn was a potent factor in the company's decision to downsize its workforce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Mr. Kaine's early endorsement of Mr. Obama was a potent factor in his remarkable 28-point landslide on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Her predicament also evokes a Caribbean and African world in which fertility is prized and in which fate is a potent factor.

The Guardian

Talks, at length, about the negative effects of the strict separation of the sexes; claims it's a potent factor in terrorist fantasies.

The New Yorker

The doctrine of natural rights was a potent factor in the reshaping of the constitutions of Western countries in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So we are only a month away from a general election in which Johnson's electoral reach will be tested as never before, and perhaps from a Conservative leadership contest in which his presumed popularity would be a potent factor.

The Guardian - Opinion

(4) On the other hand, the Chinese written language, even with its obvious disadvantages, has been a potent factor in perpetuating the cultural unity of the growing millions of the Chinese people, including assimilated groups in far-flung peripheral areas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Older voters traditionally are a more stable and reliable voting demographic, and the steadily growing number of black female voters virtually insures that the black vote will be a permanent potent factor in national elections.

Huffington Post

"Tobacco use is such an enormously potent factor that it contaminates the findings," said Professor Tom Sanders, head of the nutritional sciences research division at King's College London.

The Guardian

The severe vascular leakage syndrome seen in the MRSA group may be due to excessive production of nitric oxide and vascular endothelial growth factor, a potent permeability factor.

Critical Care

Among the proteins and factors involved in cellular growth, VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is a potent angiogenic factor that operates as an angiogenesis tumor mediator [ 4].

BMC Cancer

Connective tissue growth factor is a potent profibrotic factor and is a most common and important mediator of ECM synthesis and tissue fibrosis.

Europace

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a potent factor" when you want to emphasize that something has a strong and noticeable effect on a particular situation or outcome. It suggests that the factor is not only present but also actively shaping events.

Common error

While "a potent factor" is perfectly acceptable, overuse in casual conversation can make your speech sound overly formal. Consider simpler alternatives like "big reason" or "major influence" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a potent factor" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes something that strongly influences or contributes to a particular outcome, situation, or process. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is both grammatically sound and contextually versatile.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a potent factor" effectively highlights a strong and influential element within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and contextual versatility. While the phrase sees the most use in scientific and news publications, it can also be used in formal and professional contexts. Remember that overusing this phrase in informal settings may come across as overly formal. When looking for alternatives, consider phrases like "a significant element" or "a major influence" to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant element

Replaces "factor" with "element", suggesting a component part that is important.

a major influence

Substitutes "factor" with "influence", emphasizing the power to affect something.

a key component

Focuses on the idea of the factor being a necessary part of a larger whole.

a crucial aspect

Highlights the importance of the factor as one part of a situation.

an important consideration

Emphasizes the need to think about the factor when making decisions.

a driving force

Suggests that the factor is actively causing or propelling something forward.

a powerful determinant

Replaces "potent" with "powerful" and "factor" with "determinant", stressing the factor's decisive role.

a critical variable

Presents the factor as a variable that is essential to consider in an analysis.

a vital ingredient

Emphasizes that the factor is an essential part of a successful outcome.

a primary cause

Highlights the factor as a main reason for something happening.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a potent factor" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a potent factor", place it where you want to highlight its strong influence. For example: "The candidate's charisma was "a potent factor" in his electoral victory".

What are some alternative phrases to "a potent factor"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant element", "a major influence", or "a key component" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a potent factor" in formal writing?

Yes, "a potent factor" is suitable for formal writing. Its precise and impactful nature makes it well-suited for academic papers, reports, and other professional documents.

What's the difference between "a potent factor" and "an important factor"?

"A potent factor" emphasizes the strength and effectiveness of the influence, while "an important factor" simply indicates significance. "Potent" suggests a more powerful impact than simply "important".