an element

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an element" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a part or component of a larger whole, such as in discussions about chemistry, design, or any system that consists of various parts. Example: "Water is an element that is essential for all known forms of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's an element of risk".

The New York Times

Maybe more than an element.

The New York Times - Arts

Face plays an element in this too.

Independent

It would add an element of strategy.

The New York Times - Sports

Again there was an element of revenge.

The New Yorker

"There's an element of Vanity Fair.

Independent

He also added an element of glamour.

The Economist

There is also an element of transparency.

The New York Times - Food

"It has an element of racism.

The New York Times

Each has an element of recklessness.

The Economist

Eating alone has "an element of scorn".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an element" when you want to emphasize a specific component or aspect as part of a larger whole. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "an element" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing, as it may sound overly formal or stilted. Simpler alternatives like "part" or "aspect" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an element" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify a constituent part or aspect of something. Ludwig examples show its versatility in various contexts, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an element" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that serves to identify a component or aspect within a larger whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in purely informal situations where simpler terms like "part" or "aspect" may suffice. Its consistent appearance in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Economist underscores its acceptability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a component

Replaces "element" with a more general term for a part of a whole.

a part

Offers a simpler and more direct synonym for "element".

an aspect

Focuses on a particular feature or side of something.

a feature

Highlights a distinctive attribute or characteristic.

a factor

Emphasizes something that contributes to a result or outcome.

a characteristic

Draws attention to a specific quality or trait.

an ingredient

Implies a necessary component of a mixture or recipe.

a segment

Refers to a distinct portion or section of something.

a detail

Highlights a small or specific piece of information.

a facet

Emphasizes one side or aspect of a multifaceted subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "an element" to refer to a component or aspect of something larger. For example, "Creativity is "an element" of successful innovation".

What are some alternatives to "an element"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "component", "aspect", "part", or "feature".

Is it correct to say "a element" instead of "an element"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect to say "a element". The correct phrasing is "an element" because the word "element" begins with a vowel sound.

What is the difference between "an element" and "an elemental"?

"An element" refers to a component or aspect of something. "An elemental" typically refers to a basic or fundamental force of nature (earth, air, fire, water) or something related to elementals (mythical beings).