causal factor

USAGE SUMMARY

'causal factor' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a cause or factor that produces an effect. For example, "Stress is often a causal factor in mental health issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A prime causal factor: institutional sexism.

Independent

It must not appear as a causal factor in the multiplying wrongs that beset us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Symptoms alone are often unreliable in identifying the causal factor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It does not mean that racism is the primary causal factor in the under-representation of ethnic minorities.

The Guardian - Opinion

While boredom may be a general ally of substance abuse, alone it is an insufficient causal factor.

The New York Times

The trouble for the Fuller analogy is that science simply does not allow God as a causal factor.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Nursing Shortage Is Raising Worries on Patients' Care" (front page, April 8) doesn't mention a key causal factor in this crisis.

The New York Times

In what is the first large randomised controlled trial dedicated to severe paranoia, we focused on one contributory causal factor: worry.

The Guardian

I believe the column "Yet Another Reminder: Forget the Suntan" put a bit too much emphasis on sunlight as a major causal factor for melanoma.

The New York Times - Science

In a 1988 paper on his research, he wrote, "One is led to the conjecture that magnesium deficiency might be a causal factor in migraine".

The New York Times - Tech

But could there be another causal factor that has contributed to the way Australian politicians have forcefully backed Adani for so many years?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex phenomena, be specific about which "causal factor" you are addressing. Clearly define the relationship between the factor and the outcome.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "causal factor" as the only cause, especially in situations with multiple contributing elements. Acknowledge the complexity of causation and the potential influence of other factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causal factor" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific element or influence that contributes to causing a particular outcome or event. Ludwig shows that this phrase is frequently used to pinpoint elements that are responsible for something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "causal factor" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that identifies a contributing cause to a particular outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's prevalent in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, emphasizing its role in analytical and explanatory writing. While various alternative phrases exist, such as "contributing factor" or "underlying cause", "causal factor" itself remains a strong choice. When using this phrase, ensure specificity and avoid overstating its importance as the sole cause. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's consistent application across diverse subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

causal element

Replaces "factor" with "element", slightly changing the emphasis but retaining the core meaning.

causative agent

Substitutes "factor" with "agent", implying a more active role in causing an effect.

underlying cause

Highlights the foundational nature of the cause.

contributing factor

Emphasizes the role of contributing to an outcome, rather than being the sole cause.

root cause

Identifies the most fundamental cause in a chain of events.

primary cause

Indicates the most important cause among several.

key factor

Highlights the significance of the factor in bringing about a result.

driving force

Implies a powerful cause that propels an event or situation.

reason for

A more general way of expressing cause or explanation.

etiological agent

A more technical term, often used in medical contexts to describe the cause of a disease.

FAQs

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

You can use "causal factor" to identify something that contributes to a specific outcome. For example, "Poverty is often a significant "causal factor" in crime rates".

What are some alternatives to using "causal factor"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "contributing factor", "underlying cause", or "root cause".

Is it appropriate to use "causal factor" in formal writing?

Yes, "causal factor" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, and professional contexts. It clearly conveys the idea of a cause contributing to an effect.

What's the difference between a "causal factor" and a "correlation"?

A "causal factor" directly influences an outcome, while a correlation simply indicates a relationship between two variables without proving causation. Just because two things are correlated doesn't mean one is a "causal factor".