chief factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most important element or reason in a particular context or situation. Example: "The chief factor contributing to the project's success was the team's dedication and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But the chief factor is not what we drive; it is how we drive.

The New Yorker

The chief factor is the diminishing supply of stalled condominium sites.

The New York Times

Law enforcement agencies can no longer use traffic-ticket quotas as the chief factor in promoting police officers, according to a law signed by Governor Whitman last week.

The New York Times

These companies are swimming in debt and are a chief factor in its longest period of deflation in Japan since the 1930's.

The New York Times

Trump's ruse is that somehow the United States is not engaged militarily in the fight against ISIS, or that "political correctness" is the chief factor undermining American security.

The New Yorker

But paid circulation offends the spirit of direct democracy, as money becomes the chief factor in deciding what appears on ballots.

The Economist

In Britain, the 15 percent annual increase in fuel prices is already the chief factor behind the 4 percent inflation rate.

The New York Times

Investments in inventories were a chief factor to growth during the early part of the recovery from the worst downturn since the Great Depression.

The New York Times

The political, administrative, and military structures that he created to govern the empire were the chief factor behind its continued survival for another century and a half.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thein Sein, the president, whose apparent commitment to reform was a chief factor in winning over Miss Suu Kyi, has been away in Japan.

The Economist

Kyle Watters, the defense lawyer, also seized on inconsistencies in the officer's testimony and inaccuracies in the complaint, and ticket-fixing was apparently not the chief factor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chief factor", ensure it's indeed the single most important contributing element; otherwise, consider alternatives like "major factor" or "significant factor".

Common error

Avoid using "chief factor" when multiple factors contribute significantly. Overusing it can diminish the actual weight of the designated factor and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief factor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the most significant element or cause in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief factor" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that serves to highlight the single most important element in a given situation. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely employed in diverse fields. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, its formality ranges from neutral to formal. While it's crucial to accurately represent the situation and not overstate the importance of one factor over others, "chief factor" remains a potent tool for emphasizing key drivers and influences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main reason

Focuses on the cause rather than a contributing element.

primary cause

Highlights causality more strongly than a contributing factor.

principal element

Emphasizes a component part rather than a reason.

key component

Stresses that it is part of a bigger picture, rather than the single most important thing.

major influence

Highlights the impact on something else rather than being the core factor itself.

prime mover

Implies initiation or action more directly than a static factor.

central aspect

Suggests something being the core but might not be the most important aspect.

dominant force

Conveys more power and agency than a simple factor.

overriding consideration

Focuses on decision-making and prioritization.

critical determinant

Highlights the importance of the factor in deciding an outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "chief factor" to highlight the most important element in a situation. For example: "The "chief factor" in their success was hard work."

What are some alternatives to "chief factor"?

Alternatives include "main reason", "primary cause", or "principal element". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "the most chief factor"?

Yes, using "the most chief factor" is generally redundant because "chief" already implies the highest level of importance. Simply use ""chief factor"".

What's the difference between "chief factor" and "major factor"?

"Chief factor" implies the single most important element, while "major factor" indicates a significant element among potentially several important ones.