a unifying element

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unifying element" is not correct in standard English; it should be "a unifying element" instead of "a unifying element." You can use it when referring to something that brings different parts together or creates a sense of cohesion among various elements.
Example: "The shared goal of sustainability serves as a unifying element for our diverse team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"We needed a unifying element".

The New York Times

A unifying element was shoes with long, lascivious tongues.

The New York Times

"The German president is looked upon as a unifying element.

The New York Times

"And we want to make water a unifying element of the garden," she said.

The New York Times

Thus, unlike in Myanmar, language actually has been a unifying element in the country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A unifying element is a series of wooden pieces made by the Italian artist and furniture designer Martino Gamper.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

With digital currency as a major unifying element for the industry, its disruption is enabling a third wave of change wherein the financial institution is removed from the equation.

TechCrunch

As long as I have been in this business, administrators have been telling me that football is a great unifying element.

The New York Times - Sports

I think just the opposite — that his directing style is such an emanation of his adolescent love of theatre that his films lack a vital unifying element when he's not in them or when he plays only a small part in them.

The New Yorker

The melody is a "rising quasi-military" idea, interspersed between replications of the left hand figure, the mostly two-note melody being a strong unifying element.

Wikipedia

The trick to pulling off a combination of opposites is to find one unifying element: a time period, a color, a shape, or a type of item.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a unifying element", ensure it genuinely connects disparate parts to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid claiming something is "a unifying element" if its impact is minimal or irrelevant; ensure it demonstrably creates cohesion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unifying element" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject complement or an object, identifying something that brings cohesion or integration to a set of otherwise disparate items or ideas, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a unifying element" is a noun phrase used to describe something that creates cohesion or brings disparate parts together. It's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring the element truly has a unifying effect. As Ludwig AI indicates, the basic form of the phrase is correctly written. Alternatives like "a cohesive factor" or "a common thread" can provide subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cohesive factor

Replaces "unifying" with "cohesive", emphasizing the sticking-together aspect.

a binding force

Emphasizes the power of the element to create a strong connection.

a common thread

Uses a metaphor to describe the shared element.

a connecting link

Highlights the element's role in joining separate parts.

an integrating principle

Focuses on the element's role in combining diverse aspects into a whole.

a central theme

Suggests the element is a recurring idea.

a core component

Emphasizes that it is an essential and unifying ingredient.

the common denominator

Points out the shared characteristic among different items.

the key connector

Highlights its role as a linking entity.

the linchpin

Implies that it is fundamental for cohesion and stability.

FAQs

How can I use "a unifying element" in a sentence?

Use "a unifying element" to describe something that brings diverse aspects together. For instance, "Shared values can be a unifying element within a community."

What can I say instead of "a unifying element"?

You can use alternatives like "a cohesive factor", "a common thread", or "a binding force depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a unifying element" or "the unifying element"?

Both are correct, but "a unifying element" is used when introducing the concept, while "the unifying element" is used when referring to a specific element previously mentioned.

What's the difference between "a unifying element" and "a common element"?

"A unifying element" specifically implies bringing separate parts together, while "a common element" simply means something that is shared.