decisive element

USAGE SUMMARY

"decisive element" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an important factor in deciding the outcome of a situation. For example, you could say, "The most decisive element in determining the outcome of the election was voter turnout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

A European Commission official said the regulator noted a pledge by Google last week to standard-setting agencies to license Motorola patents on fair and reasonable terms if the deal were to succeed, but that the promise was not a decisive element in its decision.

Huffington Post

While the test score is the most decisive element in the streaming decision (Luyten and Bosker, 2004), teachers can have an influential role in the choice of the educational stream by over- or under-advising (Hustinx, 2002).

Comparative Migration Studies

You are the decisive element in your classroom.

The Guardian

The decisive element is that you go through.

The Guardian - Sport

And the notion of gay marriage, viewed as an abomination by a huge swath of the electorate, is threatening to become a decisive element in the presidential campaign.

The New York Times

Mr. Stein's unremitting public criticism of unexplained delays in the handling and computing of vote tallies proved to be a decisive element in breaking Mr. Fujimori's international support.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

One of the decisive elements in his development of Realism was his lifelong attachment to the traditions and customs of his native province, the Franche-Comté, and of his birthplace, Ornans, one of the most beautiful towns in the province.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The target system cannot be described solely in terms of one system without ignoring decisive elements.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

In this period, decisive elements of early modern toleration discourse were formed: the distinction between church authority and individual religious conscience on the one hand and the separation of religious and secular authority on the other.

SEP

The results confirmed significant inter-rater reliability of the vocabulary list with respect to the constructs, thereby validating the reliability of the constructs in terms of being decisive elements in the suggested operational/working definition of social entrepreneurship.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Some decisive elements may also serve in maintenance of catalytic competence via their action as gatekeepers directing substrate access/positioning or stabilizers of the heme environment enabling dioxygen activation.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decisive element", ensure it is followed by a clear explanation of why that element is so crucial to the outcome you are describing. Provide specific details or evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "decisive element" when the factor only contributes partially to the outcome. Make sure the element truly makes or breaks the final result, rather than simply being influential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decisive element" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies and emphasizes a particular factor as being the most important in determining an outcome. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

59%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decisive element" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a factor that significantly influences an outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its prevalence spans various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, signaling its versatility across diverse domains. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: Ensure you explicitly state why the element in question is so pivotal. Alternatives like "key factor" or "determining factor" can be used to adjust the emphasis based on the context. The choice of using "decisive element" implies the factor has a pronounced, often final, impact on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determining factor

Directly indicates that the factor is what settles the outcome.

main determinant

Similar to "determining factor", directly emphasizes the element that settles an outcome.

key factor

This alternative focuses on the importance of the factor without necessarily implying that it determines the outcome.

critical factor

Similar to "key factor", but emphasizes the necessity of the factor for a positive outcome.

essential component

This phrase shifts the focus to the makeup of a system or process, rather than the determination of an outcome.

vital component

Emphasizes the necessity of the factor for the existence or proper functioning of something.

most important aspect

Highlights the significance of the aspect compared to others.

primary driver

Highlights the factor that propels a process or situation forward.

significant influence

Indicates a strong impact but doesn't necessarily imply a final decision.

core ingredient

Suggests that the factor is a fundamental part of something.

FAQs

How can I use "decisive element" in a sentence?

Use "decisive element" to highlight a factor that significantly determines the outcome of a situation. For example, "The candidate's strong debate performance was the "decisive element" in securing the election victory."

What are some alternatives to "decisive element"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "key factor", "critical factor", or "determining factor".

Is "decisive element" formal or informal?

"Decisive element" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, commonly appearing in news, academic writing, and professional reports. It maintains a level of formality appropriate for these settings.

What makes an element "decisive"?

A "decisive element" is one that has the most significant impact on influencing the outcome. It is the factor that tips the balance or seals the result, often overshadowing other contributing factors.