critical determinant

USAGE SUMMARY

"critical determinant" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You could use this phrase when referring to something that is essential to the success of a specific situation. For example: "A strong work ethic is a critical determinant of success in most occupations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A critical determinant of housing prices is employment.

The New York Times

A critical determinant of merger success is post-merger integration.

Harvard University

The mitotic spindle checkpoint is a critical determinant for topoisomerase-based chemotherapy.

Nature

The amount of ventilation, or fresh outdoor air brought inside, is a critical determinant of health.

Harvard Business Review

There is, in short, massive asymmetry of information in the post-16 education system and the critical determinant is class.

The Guardian - Opinion

Seeing people in these circumstances reminds you why shelter is a critical determinant of human survival in an emergency.

The Guardian

The control function of management can be a critical determinant of organizational success.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Contact area as a critical determinant in the tribology of metal-on-polyethylene total joint arthroplasty.

Harvard University

Here we identify the primary cilium as a critical determinant controlling tumor pathway switching.

Stanford University

Mukherjee, S. et al. Decreased presence of Langerhans cells is a critical determinant for Indian Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis.

Nature

Bhattaram, P. & Chandrasekharan, U. The joint synovium: A critical determinant of articular cartilage fate in inflammatory joint diseases.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "critical determinant" to emphasize a factor that is absolutely essential for a particular outcome or situation. It adds weight to the importance of the element you're describing.

Common error

While "critical determinant" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "key factor" or "main reason" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical determinant" functions as a noun phrase, where "critical" modifies the noun "determinant". It identifies a decisive factor or element influencing an outcome, situation, or process. Ludwig confirms that it is perfectly acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

27%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "critical determinant" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that highlights the essential nature of a factor in determining an outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While versatile, it leans toward formal contexts, making it ideal for academic, scientific, and professional writing. For less formal settings, consider alternatives like "key factor" or "main reason". The phrase sees prominent usage in Science, News & Media, and Academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determining factor

Focuses on the element that decides the result.

key factor

Focuses on the importance of a single element.

essential element

Highlights the necessity of a component.

vital component

Emphasizes the importance of a part within a larger system.

major influence

Indicates a significant effect or power.

primary driver

Suggests a force that propels or motivates something.

significant variable

Highlights the role of a factor that can change the outcome.

indispensable aspect

Emphasizes the necessity of a particular characteristic.

cornerstone

Implies a fundamental basis or foundation.

linchpin

Refers to something essential holding parts together.

FAQs

What does "critical determinant" mean?

A "critical determinant" refers to a factor that is essential for deciding an outcome or influencing a situation. It highlights the importance of a specific element.

What can I say instead of "critical determinant"?

You can use alternatives like "key factor", "essential element", or "determining factor" depending on the context.

Is "critical determinant" formal or informal?

"Critical determinant" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for academic, scientific, or professional writing. In more casual settings, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

How do I use "critical determinant" in a sentence?

You can use "critical determinant" to emphasize an element that is crucial. For example, "Effective communication is a critical determinant of team success."