factor in

USAGE SUMMARY

"factor in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to include or take into account and is often used in the context of making decisions or assessments. For example, "When making a budget, it's important to factor in all potential costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Factor in these risks.

The New Yorker

But factor in time.

The New York Times - Books

Does nationality factor in?

The New York Times

Factor in dinner somewhere before or after.

The New York Times

(This doesn't factor in "Picasso Baby").

The New Yorker

Overcrowding was a major factor in suicides.

The Guardian

Farm employment may also factor in here.

The New York Times

And factor in a free media.

The New York Times

It's only one factor in admissions.

The New York Times

(Riding mowers apparently didn't factor in).

The New York Times

Now factor in competition from secondary offerings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "factor in", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being included or considered as a relevant element. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid forgetting to "factor in" indirect or less obvious costs. Failing to account for these can lead to inaccurate assessments and poor decision-making. Always conduct a thorough review to identify all relevant factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "factor in" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive verb requiring a direct object. It's used to indicate the inclusion or consideration of something as a relevant element in a calculation, decision, or assessment, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "factor in" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that means to consider or include something as a relevant element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news, wiki content and business writing. When using "factor in", it is crucial to ensure clarity regarding what is being included. Alternatives such as "take into account" and "consider" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Always remember to account for less obvious costs to prevent inaccurate assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take into account

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of considering something important.

take account of

Similar to "take into account", but with a slightly more formal tone.

consider

This alternative is a more general term for thinking about something, without necessarily implying it will affect a decision.

incorporate

This alternative suggests a more thorough and integrated inclusion of something.

include

This alternative emphasizes the addition of something to a calculation or plan.

allow for

This alternative specifically refers to making provisions for something in advance.

reckon with

This alternative implies acknowledging and dealing with a significant factor, often one that is challenging.

bear in mind

This alternative is a more idiomatic way of saying to remember or consider something.

make allowance for

This alternative emphasizes the adjustment made to accommodate a particular element.

keep in mind

This alternative highlights the importance of remembering something during a decision-making process.

FAQs

How do you use "factor in" in a sentence?

You can use "factor in" to mean consider or include something as a relevant element when making a calculation or decision. For example, "When planning your budget, you need to "factor in" unexpected expenses".

What can I say instead of "factor in"?

You can use alternatives like "take into account", "consider", or "include" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "factored in"?

Yes, "factored in" is the past participle and past tense form of "factor in", and it is grammatically correct. For instance, "The cost of materials was "factored in" to the final price".

What's the difference between "factor in" and "take into account"?

While ""factor in"" and "take into account" are very similar, "take into account" is often used in more formal contexts and emphasizes the importance of considering something, whereas "factor in" implies incorporating something directly into a calculation or plan.