become a factor in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become a factor in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the influence or role of something in a particular situation or context. Example: "The new policy changes may become a factor in the company's decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fuel has become a factor in the debate.

The New York Times

It raises the question whether internal domestic pressures will become a factor in future developments".

The Guardian

May one infer that hot flashes will become a factor in global warming?

The New York Times

The strength of moral positions has become a factor in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The New York Times

That question seems to have become a factor in the White House's political and military calculations.

The New Yorker

If one looks with cold objectivity, there are signs that it has become a factor in his riding.

The Guardian - Sport

The more this group meshes, the more the Saints will become a factor in the N.F.C. and beyond.

The New York Times - Sports

But however it happened, low inventories in the Northeast have become a factor in the price of energy.

The New York Times

"In a way, it's surprising that it has taken this long for us to become a factor in tennis again".

The New York Times - Sports

He was making a point about how drug use has increasingly become a factor in homelessness, he says.

The Guardian

That statute of limitations is expiring, which has become a factor in both the state and federal investigations.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become a factor in" when you want to emphasize the evolving importance or influence of something over time, rather than its already established status. For example, "Technological advancements are becoming a factor in educational reform."

Common error

Avoid using "become a factor in" excessively in passive constructions, as it can weaken your writing. Instead, opt for active voice and more direct verbs. For example, instead of "The issue has become a factor in the decision," try "The issue now influences the decision."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become a factor in" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of influence or importance. As noted by Ludwig AI, it describes a process where something starts to have an effect or impact. Examples show its use across varied contexts to denote increasing relevance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become a factor in" is a versatile expression used to indicate the growing influence or importance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business writing, it serves to emphasize the increasing relevance of a subject. For clarity, it is best employed in active voice and can be replaced with synonyms such as "play a role in" or "contribute to" for variety. The phrase is particularly useful when discussing evolving situations where a previously minor element gains significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play a role in

This alternative is more general and less emphatic than the original phrase.

contribute to

This suggests a more active participation or addition to something.

have an impact on

Focuses on the effect or influence exerted.

exert influence on

Implies a more direct and forceful effect.

figure into

This is a more concise and slightly less formal way of expressing the idea.

be instrumental in

Highlights the essential or crucial nature of the contribution.

enter the equation

Suggests a new element being considered.

weigh in on

Implies adding influence or pressure.

gain prominence in

Focuses on rising importance or visibility.

begin to matter in

Emphasizes the increasing significance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "become a factor in" in a sentence?

Use "become a factor in" to indicate that something is starting to have an influence or importance in a particular situation. For example, "Environmental concerns have "become a factor in" policy-making."

What are some alternatives to "become a factor in"?

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

Is it better to say "become a factor in" or "is a factor in"?

"Become a factor in" suggests a change in status, indicating something is newly influential. "Is a factor in" implies that something already has an established influence. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize this change.

What's the difference between "become a factor in" and "enter the equation"?

"Become a factor in" generally suggests a growing or evolving influence, while "enter the equation" suggests something new is being considered. The former emphasizes importance, the latter emphasizes novelty.