a significant factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant factor" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is important or influential in a situation or decision-making process. Example: A lack of funding was a significant factor in the company's decision to downsize its workforce.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was a significant factor".

The New York Times

"But it's a significant factor.

The New York Times - Food

Ideology is not a significant factor".

The Guardian

Money, of course, is a significant factor.

The New York Times

Vehicle emissions are a significant factor.

The Guardian

Overfishing was certainly a significant factor.

The New York Times - Food

Animals have also been a significant factor.

Columbia University

Now they are a significant factor.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cash-flow constraints were a significant factor in Gbagbo's fall.

The Guardian

He believes that family pressure is a significant factor.

The Guardian - Opinion

Widespread narcotic use is also a significant factor.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant factor", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of why it is significant to provide context and strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant factor" for trivial or minor influences; reserve it for elements that genuinely have a notable impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant factor" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely used in academic, news, and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant factor" is a versatile phrase used to highlight the importance or influence of an element in various situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. The phrase is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, making it suitable for both formal and informal communications. When using this phrase, ensure that you clearly explain why the factor is significant to enhance clarity and strengthen your argument. While alternatives like "a major element" and "a crucial aspect" exist, "a significant factor" provides a balanced and widely accepted way to emphasize importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial aspect

Highlights the critical nature of the aspect.

a vital element

Underscores the importance for success or existence.

a central element

Highlights its role as essential or fundamental.

a major element

Emphasizes the compositional aspect rather than influence.

a key component

Focuses on the essential nature of the element.

a considerable influence

Stresses the degree of impact something has.

a primary influence

Shifts focus to the power to affect something.

a decisive consideration

Highlights the fact that something is important for final result.

a notable consideration

Highlights it deserves attention when making a decision.

an important variable

Focuses on something that changes and affects outcomes.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant factor" to highlight an important element influencing a situation. For example: "The weather was "a significant factor" in the low crop yield."

What can I say instead of "a significant factor"?

You can use alternatives like "a major element", "a key component", or "a crucial aspect" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "a significant factor" or "an significant factor"?

"A significant factor" is the correct phrase. Since "significant" begins with a consonant sound, the indefinite article "a" should be used.

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

While both indicate importance, ""a significant factor"" suggests a notable influence, whereas "a major factor" implies primary importance or dominance.