chief factor in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief factor in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the most important element or reason contributing to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The chief factor in 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

17 human-written examples

TRADE BALANCE IN FRANCE'S FAVOR; Alsace-Lorraine Was Chief Factor in Turning Tide for First Time in 19 Years.

The New York Times

Archives|TRADE BALANCE IN FRANCE'S FAVOR; Alsace-Lorraine Was Chief Factor in Turning Tide for First Time in 19 Years.

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

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

The Economist

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

His cartoons were probably one of the chief factors in the machine's downfall.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet the public, for its part, seems convinced that online communications are among the chief factors in confrontational politics.

University of California, Berkeley

PACIFIC 'WAR' ENDS AS HALEIWA FALLS; RESULT IS IN DOUBT; Airplanes and Submarines Chief Factors in Theoretical Battle of Hawaii.

The New York Times

The problems of concrete degradation in pavements occur around the world, regardless of climatic zones, which is one of the chief factors in environmental corrosion.

Construction and Building Materials

Archives|PACIFIC 'WAR' ENDS AS HALEIWA FALLS; RESULT IS IN DOUBT; Airplanes and Submarines Chief Factors in Theoretical Battle of Hawaii.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chief factor in", ensure it's followed by a specific noun or noun phrase. This clarifies what is being influenced. For example: "The "chief factor in" the company's success was its innovative marketing strategy."

Common error

Avoid using "chief factor in" repeatedly within a short passage. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "primary cause" or "main reason".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief factor in" functions as a noun modifier, specifically highlighting the most important element or reason affecting a situation or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chief factor in" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates the most important element influencing a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, reflecting its suitability for objective and informative communication. While alternatives exist, "chief factor in" provides a clear emphasis on the primary cause or influence. When using this expression, clarity is key: ensure that the phrase is followed by a specific noun or noun phrase to precisely define what is being influenced. Be mindful of overuse and vary language with synonyms to maintain writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main reason for

Focuses on the reasoning behind something, rather than just a contributing element.

primary cause of

Highlights the causal relationship more explicitly.

key contributor to

Emphasizes the aspect of contributing or adding to an outcome.

principal element in

Stresses the composition aspect rather than causality.

major influence on

Highlights the power to affect something.

leading factor in

Implies a degree of control or direction.

most important aspect of

Shifts the focus to importance rather than causality or contribution.

critical component of

Highlights the role as a part of a larger whole.

central reason for

Highlights the centrality of the cause.

underlying factor in

Suggests a more fundamental or less obvious cause.

FAQs

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

Use "chief factor in" to highlight the most significant element contributing to a specific outcome. For example: "The "chief factor in" the project's failure was poor planning."

What are some alternatives to "chief factor in"?

You can use alternatives like "main reason for", "primary cause of", or "key contributor to" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "chief factor in" or "main factor in"?

"Chief factor in" and "main factor in" are very similar, but "chief factor in" implies a higher degree of importance. Choose based on the desired emphasis.

Can "chief factor in" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

"Chief factor in" is suitable for formal and neutral contexts. For informal situations, you might opt for a more casual alternative such as "biggest thing" or "main thing".