factors at work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "factors at work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to various elements or influences that are contributing to a situation or outcome. Example: "There are several factors at work that are influencing the current economic climate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There are other sociological factors at work.

The New York Times

There are other factors at work.

The New York Times

There were other factors at work.

The New Yorker

There are deeper factors at work.

The New York Times

There are doubtless other factors at work.

The New York Times

There are other factors at work, too.

The New York Times

Commentators have diagnosed several factors at work.

The New York Times

There are two factors at work here.

The Guardian - Sport

There are several possible factors at work.

The Guardian - Business

But there are countervailing factors at work.

The New Yorker

There are, I think, two factors at work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "factors at work", be specific about what those factors are. Clarity enhances the impact of your statement. For instance, instead of saying "There are factors at work", specify: "Several economic factors are at work, including inflation and interest rates".

Common error

Avoid using "factors at work" as a vague placeholder. Always aim to identify and articulate the specific factors you are referring to. Saying "Various factors are at work" without further explanation weakens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "factors at work" serves as a noun phrase functioning to identify and acknowledge the various elements or influences that are contributing to a specific situation or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable. The numerous examples show its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "factors at work" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate the various influences contributing to a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and the analysis reveals its frequent appearance in news, scientific and formal business contexts. While versatile, the phrase benefits from specificity; clearly identifying the factors enhances clarity and impact. Alternatives include "contributing factors" and "influencing elements". Remember, while the phrase is useful, providing concrete details about the factors at play will make your writing more impactful and informative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contributing factors

Emphasizes the role of factors as contributors to a specific result.

influencing elements

Focuses on the act of influencing, highlighting the active role of the factors.

elements in play

Replaces "factors" with "elements", implying components are actively influencing the situation.

forces in action

Replaces "factors" with "forces", suggesting a stronger, more dynamic influence.

operative influences

Uses more formal language to describe influences that are currently active.

drivers at play

Implies that the factors are actively driving or propelling a situation forward.

underlying causes

Shifts focus to the causal aspect, suggesting deeper, less obvious reasons.

reasons in effect

Focuses on the reasons behind a situation and their current effectiveness.

variables involved

Highlights the involvement of different variables in creating the outcome.

aspects to consider

Shifts the focus to elements that need to be taken into account for a complete understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "factors at work" in a sentence?

You can use "factors at work" to explain the underlying causes or influences in a situation. For example, "There are many "factors at work" contributing to the company's success".

What are some alternatives to saying "factors at work"?

Instead of "factors at work", you could use phrases like "contributing factors", "influencing elements", or "underlying causes" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to be specific about the factors, or is it okay to keep it general with "factors at work"?

While using ""factors at work"" is grammatically correct, being specific about the factors involved provides more clarity and strengthens your statement. It is generally better to identify the factors if possible.

What's the difference between "factors at work" and "factors in play"?

"Factors at work" generally refers to influences that are currently active or contributing to a situation. "Factors in play" can refer to potential influences that may or may not be actively affecting the situation.