common factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common factor" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a number or quantity that is shared by two or more other numbers or quantities. It can be used in a variety of sentences, such as: - "The common factor between 18 and 24 is 6." - "Finding the common factor of a set of numbers is an important skill in mathematics." - "The common factor in their successful businesses is their attention to customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The common factor is disgust.

The Economist

The common factor was Peel.

The Guardian - Books

The common factor appears to be liquidity.

The Economist

But the common factor throughout was fear.

The Guardian

The only common factor was uncertainty.

The New York Times

The common factor of those dates?

The Guardian

Instead, the most common factor was serious mental health problems.

The New York Times

"But the only common factor between the two is myself.

The Guardian - Sport

The common factor in abuse cases is exploitation of power.

The Guardian - Opinion

After all, you are the common factor in these interactions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Other activists dismissed the idea that Tor was the common factor, saying that the only common factor was Twitter itself.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In mathematical contexts, use "greatest common factor" or "highest common factor" for precision when referring to the largest number that divides two or more numbers without a remainder.

Common error

Avoid assuming that correlation implies a "common factor". Just because two things occur together does not mean they share an underlying cause or element. Ensure a genuine shared attribute before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common factor" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a shared attribute, element, or influence among multiple entities or situations. Ludwig AI provides examples like "The common factor is disgust" and "The only common factor was uncertainty."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common factor" is a versatile term used to identify shared elements or characteristics across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using "common factor", ensure you accurately represent the shared element and avoid confusing correlation with causation. For alternative phrasing, consider "shared characteristic", "shared element", or "unifying aspect" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared characteristic

Emphasizes the characteristic that is shared rather than the element itself.

shared element

Focuses on the element that is common between two or more things.

unifying aspect

Highlights the aspect that brings things together or makes them similar.

shared trait

Highlights the trait that is common to multiple subjects.

recurring theme

Suggests a theme that appears repeatedly in different situations.

consistent feature

Emphasizes the feature that remains the same across different instances.

mutual component

Focuses on the component that is present in each item being compared.

linking thread

Suggests a connection or similarity that ties different things together.

overarching principle

Stresses the basic idea that underlies different situations.

universal attribute

Emphasizes that the attribute is common to everything being considered.

FAQs

How is "common factor" used in a sentence?

You can use "common factor" to describe a shared characteristic or element, as in "The "common factor" among successful entrepreneurs is resilience" or "Patient support is a "common factor" in mental health recovery".

What's an alternative to using "common factor"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "shared characteristic", "shared element", or "unifying aspect". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In mathematics, is there a difference between "common factor" and "greatest common factor"?

Yes, a "common factor" is any factor shared by two or more numbers. The "greatest common factor" is the largest of those common factors. The terms are not interchangeable in mathematical contexts.

How do I avoid misusing the term "common factor"?

Ensure that the attribute or element you identify as a "common factor" is genuinely shared across all instances. Avoid mistaking correlation for a shared underlying cause or attribute.