a secondary factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a secondary factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing elements that contribute to a situation or outcome but are not the primary influences. Example: "While cost is a primary concern, quality is also a secondary factor in our decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Political unrest is a secondary factor.

The New York Times

In the end, the NTSB cited that as a secondary factor.

The Guardian - Business

"But a secondary factor may be tax consequences".

The New York Times - Style

Walters is certain that the ransom was a secondary factor and Goedertier was thrilled by the challenge of the theft.

The Guardian - Arts

A secondary factor, which is more specific to the industry, is the tiered structure of automotive marketing.

The Guardian

It's all tied up in notions of property ownership, with sexual jealousy a secondary factor".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

This huge diversity amongst secondary schools makes the choice (or assignment) of secondary school a critical factor for a child's chances of academic success.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

A bifactor model specifies that each item is regressed on both a general and a group (secondary) factor, and the general and group factors are uncorrelated with each other [ 34, 36- 39].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

In fact, Pfaff argues, drug convictions are a distinctly secondary factor in prison growth.

The New Yorker

I don't think this is wrong, exactly, but I suspect that the search for safety is a distinctly secondary factor here.

The New York Times

However, we need to ensure that the association between predicted fRNA coverage and evolutionary rate is not due to the influence of a third secondary factor (or set of secondary factors) because many functional variables are known to affect protein evolutionary rates of yeast.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a secondary factor", clearly establish what the primary factor is to provide context and emphasize the relative importance of each.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a secondary factor" as the main reason for an outcome. Doing so can mislead your audience and weaken your argument. Make sure you clarify the hierarchy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a secondary factor" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies an element that contributes to a situation but is not the primary cause or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

49%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a secondary factor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes something of lesser importance or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correct and usable across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and scientific writing. To effectively use this phrase, always establish the primary factor to contextualize the relative significance. Avoid misrepresenting it as the main reason, to keep arguments cogent. Alternatives include "a minor consideration" or "a less important element". Remember, clarity is key when determining primary and secondary influences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor consideration

This alternative suggests something is less important and deserves less attention, shifting focus from 'factor' to 'consideration'.

a less important element

This phrase emphasizes the reduced significance of an element, changing 'factor' to the broader 'element'.

a contributing but not decisive factor

This alternative clarifies that the factor has some influence but does not determine the outcome, adding specificity.

a subordinate influence

This phrase uses 'subordinate' to convey lower rank or importance, altering the emphasis slightly.

a peripheral aspect

This emphasizes the marginal or outer position of the aspect, implying it's not central to the matter.

an ancillary component

This alternative uses 'ancillary' to suggest something provides support but isn't essential, changing 'factor' to 'component'.

a marginal concern

Focuses on the low level of worry or importance attached to the concern, differing slightly in connotation.

a side issue

Indicates a diversion from the main topic, differing in that it suggests a separate, less relevant matter.

a tertiary consideration

Specifies that the consideration is third in importance, adding a numerical ranking.

a non-essential component

Emphasizes the dispensable nature of the component, differing in its focus on necessity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a secondary factor" to highlight something that influences an outcome but isn't the primary cause. For example, "While economic policy was the main driver, public sentiment acted as "a secondary factor" in the election results".

What's a good alternative to "a secondary factor"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a minor consideration", "a less important element", or "a contributing but not decisive factor".

Is it always necessary to specify the primary factor when discussing "a secondary factor"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the primary factor provides crucial context and strengthens your analysis. Omitting it can leave the reader wondering about the relative importance of different influences.

Can "a secondary factor" become a primary factor under different circumstances?

Yes, the relative importance of factors can shift depending on the situation. What is ""a secondary factor"" in one scenario might become the primary driver in another. For instance, in one election public approval of the president may be the deciding factor, and in the next it may be economic policy.