contributing factors

USAGE SUMMARY

“contributing factors” is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to elements or causes that have contributed to a particular situation or outcome. For example: An analysis of the situation revealed that several contributing factors had led to the company’s failure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She cites a variety of contributing factors.

The New York Times - Tech

There are lots of contributing factors.

The Guardian - Opinion

Others maintain that Portsmouth's particular characteristics offer contributing factors.

The Guardian

She says asthma and heart disease were contributing factors.

The Guardian

This is an intuitive judgment with lots of contributing factors.

The New York Times

"Rising commodity prices and risk sentiment in general are contributing factors," the economists said.

The Guardian

Both were contributing factors to events leading to the town's schooling crisis, he said.

The Guardian

A speed hump and minicab at Wheelwright Street were also said to be contributing factors.

The Guardian

Poverty breeds hopelessness and despair, which are both contributing factors to extremist behaviour.

The Guardian - Opinion

As contributing factors grew, the river delivered more flood for less rain.

The New Yorker

Heart disease and cocaine use were listed as contributing factors in Houston's death.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contributing factors", ensure you clearly define the outcome or situation to which these factors contribute to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid presenting "contributing factors" as the sole determinants of an outcome; acknowledge that other factors may also be at play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contributing factors" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying elements or causes that contribute to a particular situation or outcome. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Unknown

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contributing factors" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term for describing the various elements that influence an outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the outcome to which the factors contribute and avoid overstating their significance. Alternative phrases like "causal elements" or "influential variables" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

causal elements

Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting the elements that directly lead to a specific result.

influential variables

Emphasizes the variables that have a notable impact on a particular outcome.

underlying causes

Points to the fundamental reasons or origins behind a situation.

relevant determinants

Highlights the factors that decisively affect or determine a particular result.

key drivers

Focuses on the main forces or elements that propel a particular outcome.

significant influences

Emphasizes the important effects that certain elements have on a situation.

elements at play

Describes the various components that are active and contributing to a situation.

factors in the mix

Indicates that multiple factors are combined and contributing to a specific outcome.

aspects involved

Highlights the different facets or angles that are part of a situation.

forces at work

Focuses on the active powers or influences that are shaping a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "contributing factors" in a sentence?

You can use "contributing factors" to describe elements that collectively lead to a specific outcome. For instance, "Poor diet and lack of exercise were significant "contributing factors" to his health problems".

What are some alternatives to using "contributing factors"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "causal elements", "influential variables", or "underlying causes" as alternatives to "contributing factors".

Is it redundant to say "contributing factors that contributed"?

Yes, saying "contributing factors that contributed" is redundant. It's better to rephrase it as "factors contributing to" or simply "contributing factors" followed by an explanation of what they influence.

What is the difference between "contributing factors" and "root causes"?

"Contributing factors" are elements that collectively influence an outcome, while "root causes" refer to the fundamental, underlying reasons. Identifying both "contributing factors" and "root causes" provides a more comprehensive understanding of a situation.