as a leading factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a leading factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is a primary or significant influence in a particular context or situation. Example: "The increase in renewable energy sources has emerged as a leading factor in reducing carbon emissions globally."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Most survey respondents cited poor pay as a leading factor.

The Washington Post

The inversion of the uncertain inertia matrix in simulation of a spacecraft dynamics is also identified as a leading factor to a singular situation.

Advances in Space Research

In the weeks following that shooting, as the public outcry grew, police officials said many officers demoralized by the withering criticism were no longer patrolling as aggressively and cited this as a leading factor in the rising murder rate.

The New York Times

The findings of the study indicate that the privilege attached to publishing in internationally indexed journals stands out as a leading factor orienting the Hong Kong scholars toward writing in English and employing various strategies to facilitate successful publication.

Journal of English for Academic Purposes

In search of the mechanisms that govern pluripotency and embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal, a growing list of evidence highlights chromatin as a leading factor, controlling ESC maintenance and differentiation.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology

The mechanisms by which synapses that are either unwanted or to be retained send these signals to microglia remain to be demonstrated — in particular, the interaction between CD47 and SIRP-α in microglia as a leading factor in constraining synaptic pruning has not been shown directly and has been validated using in vitro models.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This study aims to examine possible risk factors leading to occurrence of NSPM as well as risk factors leading to NSPM-related death in patients with DTC.

Annals of Surgical Oncology

Following the original ruling, the Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps organic body care company and the Organic Consumers Association filed a suit against the USDA, a move seen as the leading factor behind the reversal.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Currently, VEGF, known as a proangiogenic cytokine, has been recognized as the leading factor responsible for retinal neovascularization [ 2].

BioMed Research International

Over the past decades, water pollution has been suggested as the leading factor to infectious diseases.

Nano Energy

All the studied water samples are in the lower part of the diagram (Fig. 4), signifying precipitation interactions as the leading factor controlling the surface water chemistry.

Environmental Systems Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a leading factor", ensure the context clearly supports the claim that the factor is indeed primary and influential. Provide evidence or data to substantiate this assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "as a leading factor" if the factor is only partially responsible or one of many equally important factors. Overstating its influence can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a leading factor" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a noun or noun phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying a primary cause or influence. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a leading factor" is a grammatically correct and usable expression used to highlight a primary cause or influence. While not extremely common, Ludwig examples show it frequently appears in scientific and news contexts. When using the phrase, make sure to provide supporting evidence for your claims, and consider alternatives like "primary cause" or "key driver" to add variety to your writing. Ludwig AI confirms the general acceptance of the expression, noting its suitability for formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary cause

This alternative directly replaces "leading factor" with a more concise term for causation.

major contributing element

This alternative emphasizes the contribution to a larger outcome.

key driver

This alternative suggests that the factor propels or motivates something.

principal determinant

This alternative emphasizes the decisive nature of the factor.

chief influence

This alternative highlights the power and effect the factor has.

foremost reason

This alternative directly states the factor is the main cause.

main catalyst

This alternative suggests the factor initiates or accelerates a process.

significant contributor

This alternative emphasizes the substantial impact of the factor.

essential component

This alternative highlights the necessity of the factor.

primary impetus

This alternative suggests the factor provides the initial motivation or force.

FAQs

How can I use "as a leading factor" in a sentence?

You can use "as a leading factor" to highlight a primary cause or influence in a particular situation. For example, "Increased screen time is identified "as a leading factor" in the rise of childhood obesity."

What are some alternatives to "as a leading factor"?

Alternatives include "primary cause", "major contributing element", or "key driver". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a leading factor" or "the leading factor"?

Whether to use "a" or "the" depends on whether it's one of several leading factors or the single most important one. "A leading factor" implies there are others, while "the leading factor" suggests it is the most significant.

Can "as a leading factor" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "as a leading factor" is appropriate for formal writing, including academic papers and business reports, as long as the context supports its usage.