a uniting factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a uniting factor" is not correct; it should be "a unifying factor." You can use it to describe something that brings people or elements together, fostering unity or cohesion.
Example: "The shared goal of environmental sustainability serves as a unifying factor among diverse communities."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I now have lots of new headteacher friends all over the country who have been emailing and tweeting and we have formed alliances that might never have been formed without such a uniting factor.

The Guardian

South Africa's IOC member Sam Ramsamy, who was a leading member of the anti-apartheid movement, added his tribute, praising Mandela for his "understanding of sport as a uniting factor".

Independent

On a tour of the United States, where he was invited by Jerry Fullinwider, an oil executive who has done business in Russia since the 1980s, Hilarion highlighted a vocal anti-abortion stance as a uniting factor between Russian Orthodoxy and Protestant evangelicals.

The New York Times

The Batesville brand is a uniting factor for thousands of homes, its 155 salesmen each handling a hundred accounts.

Forbes

Nuclear Deal: A Uniting Factor.

Huffington Post

It is a uniting factor for the Gisu.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Epworth identified as an uniting factor "a minor ninth as the harmonic code ... the Bond songs, they have that elaboration to it", and wrote what would become the instrumental part of "Skyfall".

Wikipedia

There are as many ways to look at the Giants' 4-4 record as there are players in the Giants' locker room, where the one uniting factor is a quote that stays on a dry-erase board in the doorway: "Keep shoveling".

The New York Times - Sports

Fear, or indifference, was the uniting factor in the bus.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are no clear divides between these lines, and no one uniting factor.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pursuit of pleasure, however dubious its form, was the uniting factor.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, consider alternative phrases like "a common denominator" or "a binding force" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. A "common denominator" works best when highlighting a shared characteristic, while "a binding force" emphasizes strength and connection.

Common error

Avoid using "uniting" as a direct adjective before "factor". The term "uniting" is a present participle form of a verb and can be confusing. It is grammatically safer and more clear to use "unifying" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a uniting factor" is intended to function as a noun phrase, aiming to identify an element that brings different entities together. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, the grammatically correct form is "a unifying factor". Despite the error, its intended function is clear from the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a uniting factor" aims to describe something that brings elements together, fostering unity. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the grammatically correct form is "a unifying factor". While used in various contexts like News & Media and Science, its incorrect grammatical structure makes it less preferred. For clearer and more credible writing, it’s best to opt for “a unifying factor” or consider alternatives such as "a unifying element" or "a common denominator".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unifying element

Replaces 'factor' with 'element', emphasizing a component that creates unity.

a common denominator

Uses a mathematical metaphor to suggest a shared characteristic.

a binding force

Emphasizes the strength and connection that brings things together.

a cohesive agent

Highlights the active role in causing cohesion.

a central link

Focuses on the connection aspect and centrality of the linking element.

a common thread

Suggests a shared theme or characteristic running through different elements.

a shared characteristic

States directly that something is shared among a group.

a point of convergence

Highlights the meeting or joining of different elements.

a nexus

Implies a central point of connection for multiple things.

a bridge

Suggests something that connects disparate entities or ideas.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say something brings people together?

The correct way to phrase it is to use "a unifying factor" rather than "a uniting factor". The word "unifying" is the correct adjective form of the verb unify.

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

You can use alternatives like "a unifying element", "a common denominator", or "a binding force" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a uniting factor" or "a unifying factor"?

"A unifying factor" is correct. "Uniting" is a verb form, while "unifying" is the adjective that correctly modifies "factor".

How to use "a unifying factor" in a sentence?

You can use "a unifying factor" to describe something that brings disparate groups together. For example: "Shared goals served as a unifying factor for the team".