as a primary factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a primary factor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the main or most important element in a particular context or situation. Example: "In determining the success of the project, budget constraints were considered as a primary factor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Preliminary reports pointed to poor visibility as a primary factor in the crash.

The New York Times

However, issues in flexibility as a primary factor are probably less common than strength and control issues with patellofemoral pain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This city has joined a small but growing movement to use income, not race, as a primary factor in assigning students to schools.

The New York Times

Much weight falls on a speech citing the narcissism of small differences as a primary factor in the intensity of hatred prior to "what happened".

The Guardian - Books

Solid-state interdiffusion was identified as a primary factor responsible for such copious modification of the microstructure.

Acta Materialia

Nitrogen comes from sources like fertilizer and animal feces picked up by storm water runoff, but waste water flowing into the Sound has been identified as a primary factor.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Time is a primary factor, as wild plants grow slower due to stress and competition in their natural environment, allotting more time for the concentration of the active ingredient to increase.

Columbia University

The results show that Newmark displacement (as a variable in which triggering factors are embedded) and lithology (as a primary environmental factor) equally dominated the regional formation and distribution of landslides induced by the Wenchuan earthquake in the study area.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

High blood levels of cholesterol have been recognized as a primary risk factor for heart disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Collier, T. J., Kanaan, N. M. & Kordower, J. H. Ageing as a primary risk factor for Parkinson's disease: evidence from studies of non-human primates.

Nature

Currently, the methods have focused on the autonomic regulation of the heart rate as a primary confounding factor (such as in the QT variability index).

Journal of Electrocardiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a primary factor", ensure that you have supporting evidence or reasoning to justify its designation as the most important element. Avoid overstating its significance without proper backing.

Common error

Avoid presenting a factor "as a primary factor" when it is only one of several equally important factors. This can lead to misrepresentation and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a primary factor" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It serves to qualify or specify the importance of a particular factor in relation to an event, decision, or outcome. As Ludwig examples show, it's often used to explain cause and effect or to justify a particular viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a primary factor" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of a specific element within a given context. It's considered grammatically correct and is frequently used across various domains, as indicated by Ludwig. While suitable for neutral and professional communications, the phrase is often found in news reporting and academic writing, highlighting its informative purpose. When employing this phrase, it is best practice to ensure adequate justification for designating a factor as the most important, to avoid misrepresentation. Given Ludwig's analysis, alternatives like "as a key factor" or "as a major factor" may be more appropriate in some contexts to avoid overstating the factor's significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a key factor

Replaces "primary" with "key", suggesting essential importance but with a slightly less forceful emphasis.

as a major factor

Substitutes "primary" with "major", indicating significant influence but not necessarily the most important one.

as a leading factor

Uses "leading" instead of "primary", implying a guiding or dominant influence.

as a significant factor

Replaces "primary" with "significant", denoting considerable importance or effect.

as a crucial element

Shifts from "factor" to "element", highlighting a necessary component rather than a cause.

as a central component

Emphasizes the role of being at the center or core of something, rather than just being important.

as an essential aspect

Focuses on being an indispensable part of something, viewed from a different perspective.

as a vital consideration

Highlights the necessity of considering something, placing emphasis on the thought process.

as a prime determinant

Uses "prime determinant", suggesting that something decisively influences the outcome.

as a foremost reason

Highlights that something is the most important cause or justification.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a primary factor" to highlight the most important element influencing a situation, such as: "Cost was considered "as a primary factor" in the decision-making process."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "as a key factor", "as a major factor", or "as a leading factor", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "as a primary factor" or "as a main factor"?

Both "as a primary factor" and "as a main factor" are acceptable, but "as a primary factor" suggests that the factor is the most important, while "as a main factor" indicates it is one of several important factors.

When is it appropriate to use "as a primary factor" in writing?

Use "as a primary factor" when you want to emphasize that a particular element is the most significant influence or cause in a given situation. Ensure you can support this claim with evidence.