as the key factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the key factor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the most important element or aspect in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In our research, we identified communication as the key factor in team success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was up there with geography as the key factor".

The New York Times

But he cites the low media profile of the Greens and their policies as the key factor.

The Guardian

Predicting or explaining droughts using global warming as the key factor, then, is still difficult.

The New York Times

District officials are relying on academic achievement as the key factor in those decisions.

The New York Times

Germany's use of wage subsidies is seen by ministers as the key factor in preventing the 4.7% contraction in the economy resulting in huge job losses in 2009.

The Guardian

Douglas Duncan, chief economist for the association, based in Washington, sees strong employment as the key factor in keeping delinquencies at "quite low levels, historically".

The New York Times

New research has identified the world's most widely used insecticides as the key factor in the recent reduction in numbers of farmland birds.

The Guardian

He chose instead to focus on productivity, or how efficient workers are, as the key factor in household income.

Independent

At the time City's financial resources were seen as the key factor, and they do seem to be flexing them.

Independent

The poll found, for example, that voters support the mayor's desire to use teacher performance, not seniority, as the key factor when layoffs are required.

The New York Times

When asked about the rationale behind the selection, Morgan was quick to note the future as the key factor in their three-match series win.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as the key factor", ensure that the sentence clearly establishes what is being influenced or determined by this factor to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "as the key factor" when the factor is already implicitly understood or universally acknowledged, as this can make the writing seem redundant or lacking in insight. Instead, focus on providing nuanced analysis and specific evidence to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the key factor" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, highlighting its significance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, with numerous examples showcasing its role in emphasizing critical elements across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as the key factor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the most important element in a given situation. According to Ludwig AI, its usability is validated by numerous examples across various domains. It is most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being influenced and avoid using it when the factor is already obvious. Alternatives like "as the primary driver" or "as the main reason" can be considered for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the primary driver

Replaces "factor" with "driver", emphasizing the cause or impetus behind something.

as the main reason

Substitutes "key factor" with "main reason", focusing on the justification or explanation.

as the central element

Replaces "key factor" with "central element", highlighting the core component.

as the most important aspect

Elaborates "key factor" to "most important aspect", making the significance explicit.

as the critical component

Substitutes "key factor" with "critical component", stressing the essential nature of the part.

as the determining influence

Replaces "key factor" with "determining influence", highlighting the power to shape outcomes.

as the principal cause

Replaces "key factor" with "principal cause", focusing on the origin or root of an event.

as the overriding consideration

Replaces "key factor" with "overriding consideration", emphasizing the paramount importance.

as the crucial element

Substitutes "key factor" with "crucial element", emphasizing the decisiveness of an element.

as the fundamental reason

Replaces "key factor" with "fundamental reason", focusing on the basic and essential justification.

FAQs

How can I use "as the key factor" in a sentence?

Use "as the key factor" to highlight the most important element influencing a situation, for example, "Innovation was identified as the key factor in the company's success".

What are some alternatives to "as the key factor"?

You can use alternatives like "as the primary driver", "as the main reason", or "as the central element" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify "as the key factor" when describing a cause?

No, specifying "as the key factor" is not always necessary. Use it when you want to emphasize that a particular factor is more important than others. In some contexts, stating the factor directly is sufficient.

What's the difference between "as the key factor" and "as a factor"?

"As the key factor" emphasizes that something is the most important element, while "as a factor" simply indicates that something is one of several elements influencing a situation. For example, "Climate change is a factor in species extinction" vs. "Climate change is the key factor in species extinction".