an aggravating factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an aggravating factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts to refer to a circumstance that increases the severity or culpability of an offense. Example: "The court found that the defendant's prior criminal record was an aggravating factor in determining the sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

O'Neill cited fatigue as an aggravating factor.

The Guardian - Sport

Such a conviction would be an aggravating factor in sentencing.

The Guardian

The jurors all agreed that this was an aggravating factor.

The New Yorker

Stress can be an aggravating factor in multiple health problems.

The Guardian

Systematic rest is an aggravating factor of fatigue.

Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

See Susan Brenner, Technology as an Aggravating Factor, CYB3RCRIM3 (Jan . 23 , 2009

Cornell University

Possibly his inappropriately close relations with the emperor's daughter were an aggravating factor.

The Guardian

The 12 jurors had to be unanimous to find an aggravating factor.

The New York Times

In that light, one expert said, Mr. Cheney's mere presence is potentially an aggravating factor.

The New York Times

Race is an aggravating factor, even now, and especially in the south, even now.

The Guardian

A reference to a person's ethnic origin, colour or race is an aggravating factor.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an aggravating factor" in legal or formal writing, ensure you clearly define the specific circumstance and how it increases the severity of the situation. For example, specify how a prior criminal record serves as "an aggravating factor" in sentencing.

Common error

Avoid using "an aggravating factor" as a vague or general descriptor. Instead, provide concrete details and evidence to support how the factor genuinely worsens the situation. For instance, don't just state "stress is an aggravating factor"; explain how specific stressors contribute to a health problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an aggravating factor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies something that worsens a situation, condition, or offense. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an aggravating factor" is a noun phrase widely used to denote an element that worsens a situation, condition, or offense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal in register, it finds applications across diverse scenarios. When writing, clearly define the factor and provide concrete details to support its role in intensifying the situation. Alternatives like "a worsening element" or "a complicating issue" may be used depending on the specific context. Keep in mind that the frequency of use for "an aggravating factor" suggests it's a common and well-understood term in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worsening element

Focuses on the aspect of making something worse, emphasizing the element that causes the aggravation.

a complicating issue

Highlights the entanglement and difficulty introduced by the factor.

a detrimental aspect

Emphasizes the harmful or damaging nature of the factor.

a contributing element to the problem

Specifies its role in adding to an existing issue.

a factor that exacerbates

Uses a more formal verb to indicate the worsening effect.

an intensifying circumstance

Highlights the escalation or heightening of a situation due to the factor.

a catalyst for decline

Suggests the factor triggers a negative progression.

a negative influence

Broadly indicates a harmful impact without specifying the mechanism.

a source of aggravation

Shifts the focus to the origin or cause of the worsening.

an impediment to improvement

Highlights the factor's role in hindering progress or recovery.

FAQs

How is "an aggravating factor" used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "an aggravating factor" is a circumstance that increases the severity or culpability of a criminal act. Examples include a defendant's prior criminal record, the vulnerability of the victim, or the use of a weapon. It can lead to a harsher sentence. See also: "mitigating circumstance".

What are some synonyms for "an aggravating factor"?

Alternatives to "an aggravating factor" include phrases like "a worsening element", "a complicating issue", or "a detrimental aspect". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what situations might stress be considered "an aggravating factor"?

Stress can be "an aggravating factor" in various health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, skin problems, and mental health disorders. It can worsen symptoms and hinder recovery. Addressing stress can often improve outcomes.

Is it ever appropriate to consider race or ethnicity as "an aggravating factor"?

Using race or ethnicity as "an aggravating factor" is highly controversial and generally considered discriminatory. However, in cases of hate crimes, racial motivation may be considered an aggravating circumstance to demonstrate the severity of the offense.