be a contributing factor

USAGE SUMMARY

"be a contributing factor" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe something that plays a role in causing a certain outcome or situation. Example: The lack of investment in public transportation can be a contributing factor to the heavy traffic congestion in the city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fatigue could also be a contributing factor.

The New York Times

The lack of a national student finance system for postgraduates may also be a contributing factor.

The Guardian

It is not clear what caused the crash, but bad weather is believed to be a contributing factor.

The Guardian

But he noted that the stress of an eviction or another crisis could also be a contributing factor to pneumonia.

The New York Times

This may be a contributing factor to the historically low approval of Congress today, even among Republican voters.

The Guardian

It found an increasingly idle lifestyle might be a contributing factor to declining sperm levels.

Independent

Irregularity in the daily dosage may be a contributing factor.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Smaller autograft diameter may be a contributing factor.

The Knee

Age may be a contributing factor to the results.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The oxidation of heartwood compounds was found to be a contributing factor.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

The carbon allocation pattern in this ecosystem may be a contributing factor.

Carbon Balance and Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a contributing factor", ensure that you clearly identify what it is contributing to. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid implying that something is the sole cause when it is only "a contributing factor". Acknowledge other influences to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a contributing factor" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying something as one of several elements that cause or influence a specific result. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

48%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a contributing factor" is a widely used phrase to indicate that something plays a role in causing a particular outcome. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly science and news media. While very common, remember to avoid overstating its significance. Alternatives like "play a role" or "contribute to" can be used for variety. Always ensure clear context when using this phrase to enhance effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a factor

Shorter version focusing on the existence of influence.

contribute to

Emphasizes the act of providing or adding to a result.

play a role

Focuses on the action of influencing an outcome.

be one element of

Focuses on being one of several components.

have an impact on

Emphasizes effect or influence on something.

be instrumental in

Highlights essential or crucial contribution.

figure into

Suggests being a relevant aspect of something.

be partly responsible for

Indicates partial accountability for a result.

be a piece of the puzzle

Implies being one part of a larger issue.

have a hand in

Suggests some involvement in a situation or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "be a contributing factor" in a sentence?

Use "be a contributing factor" to indicate that something plays a role, but is not the sole cause, in a particular outcome. For instance, "Lack of sleep can "be a contributing factor" to poor performance".

What can I say instead of "be a contributing factor"?

You can use alternatives such as "play a role", "contribute to", or "have an impact on" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "are a contributing factor"?

Yes, use "are a contributing factor" when referring to multiple elements. For example, "Stress and poor diet are a contributing factor to health problems".

What is the difference between "be a contributing factor" and "be the main reason"?

"Be a contributing factor" suggests partial influence, while "be the main reason" implies primary or dominant causation. The first acknowledges other influences, whereas the second emphasizes a singular cause.