a vital factor

USAGE SUMMARY

'a vital factor' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is essential to a process or outcome. For example: "Communication is a vital factor in the success of any business."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time is clearly a vital factor.

The Economist

The air arm will be a vital factor.

The Guardian

The television coverage, a vital factor of the Proms, has undergone a change.

Independent

A vital factor for any terrorist or drug lord for that matter is money.

The Economist

It is therefore a vital factor in the operation of most mechanisms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Parachute cloth, for example, must meet exacting specifications, air porosity being a vital factor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The manatee has been the subject of just 14, and academic neglect may be a vital factor in its currently parlous position.

The Guardian

The match and the money were still up for grabs in the final quarter, and the diagramed deal proved to be a vital factor.

The New York Times - Arts

Ensuring that these vehicles are able to operate the demanding duty cycles without excessive charging time requirements will be a vital factor in accelerating this shift".

The Guardian

Bachmann's gesture, which cost him his leadership, points to a vital factor in the powerful hold of memories of nazism on our culture.

The Guardian - Books

The sustained power of the crowd is also a vital factor in the political settlement that emerges over the coming days.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vital factor", ensure that the sentence clearly explains why the factor is vital. Provide context to highlight its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a vital factor" when the element is merely helpful or beneficial, but not fundamentally necessary. Reserve the phrase for truly crucial elements to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vital factor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies and emphasizes the crucial nature of a particular element or aspect in a given situation. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to describe elements that are indispensable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vital factor" is a commonly used phrase to emphasize the critical importance of something. Grammatically correct and versatile, it appears frequently in academic, news, and encyclopedic contexts. As Ludwig highlights, it identifies elements that are indispensable for a certain outcome. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly articulate why the factor is vital to avoid overstating its importance. Consider alternatives such as "a key component" or "a critical element" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key component

Replaces "factor" with "component", emphasizing that something is a necessary part of a larger whole.

a critical element

Substitutes "factor" with "element", highlighting the essential nature of something within a system.

an essential aspect

Replaces "factor" with "aspect", focusing on a particular feature or characteristic that is indispensable.

a crucial consideration

Changes the focus to the act of thinking about something important, rather than the thing itself.

a significant influence

Shifts the emphasis to the power something has to affect a situation or outcome.

a primary driver

Highlights something that initiates or strongly propels a particular result.

a major determinant

Focuses on something that decisively controls or affects an outcome.

a central tenet

Emphasizes the fundamental and core belief or principle of something.

an integral part

Focuses on something being necessary to complete a whole.

a cornerstone of

Implies that something is the foundation upon which something else is built.

FAQs

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

Use "a vital factor" to highlight something that is essential for a particular outcome. For example, "Teamwork is "a vital factor" in the success of this project."

What are some alternatives to "a vital factor"?

You can use alternatives such as "a key component", "a critical element", or "an essential aspect" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a very vital factor"?

Yes, using "very" with "vital" is generally redundant. "Vital" already implies extreme importance, so "a vital factor" is sufficient.

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

"A vital factor" suggests something is absolutely necessary, while "an important factor" implies it has significance but may not be strictly essential. Vital means crucial, while important means noteworthy.