external factors

USAGE SUMMARY

'external factors' is a perfectly valid phrase and can be used in written English.
For example, “The success of this project depends on a number of external factors.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it only external factors?

The New Yorker

What external factors influence memory?

The New York Times

These are all external factors, of course.

The Guardian

Such endurance depends on external factors.

The New Yorker

External factors are not the only hurdle.

The New York Times

Other external factors have also helped.

The New York Times

External factors will swing the balance.

Harvard Business Review

They blame external factors for their problems.

Harvard Business Review

What external factors will affect it?

Harvard Business Review

This age group will be influenced by external factors too.

The Guardian

Sometimes, though, there are external factors at work, too.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "external factors" when discussing influences that originate from outside a specific entity or system.

Common error

Avoid using "extraneous factors" when you mean "external factors". "Extraneous factors" refers to irrelevant or unrelated variables, while "external factors" refers to relevant outside influences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external factors" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It identifies conditions, influences, or elements that originate from outside a specific entity or system.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "external factors" is a commonly used noun phrase that identifies influences originating from outside a system or entity. It serves a range of purposes, from analyzing cause-and-effect relationships to explaining specific outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is valid and showcases many examples across news, academic, and business contexts. While "external factors" is applicable in both neutral and formal registers, it’s important not to confuse it with "extraneous factors". Consider using alternatives such as "outside influences" or "contextual factors" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contextual factors

Focuses on circumstances and conditions in the environment affecting a situation.

external conditions

Emphasizes prevailing circumstances originating from outside a specific system or entity.

outside influences

Emphasizes the impact of influences originating from outside a specific system or entity.

external constraints

Highlights the role of outside elements that restrict and limit a particular outcome.

environmental variables

Focuses on the measurable environmental elements that can affect a system or outcome.

extraneous variables

Highlights the variables originating from outside a specific system or entity that influence the output.

situational elements

Highlights the role of specific circumstances and conditions in shaping events.

exterior determinants

Stresses the role of external elements in determining a particular outcome.

uncontrollable variables

Highlights the lack of control over these influential outside variables.

market dynamics

Focuses on the forces affecting the supply and demand in a market.

FAQs

How can "external factors" influence a business?

"External factors" like market trends, economic conditions, and competitor actions can significantly impact a business's performance and strategic decisions.

What are some alternatives to "external factors"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "outside influences", "environmental variables", or "contextual factors".

What's the difference between "external factors" and internal factors?

"External factors" are influences originating from outside an entity, while internal factors are conditions and elements within the entity itself. Both can affect the outcome.

How do "external factors" affect project management?

"External factors" such as regulatory changes, supply chain disruptions, or unexpected competition can introduce risks and challenges to project timelines and budgets.