for an unknown factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for an unknown factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing variables or elements that are not identified or quantified in a particular context. Example: "The results of the experiment were inconclusive due to the influence of an unknown factor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For an unknown factor x to generate an effect of similar size, the factor would have to have a susceptibility (i.e. ∂g̅ /∂x) at the major axis midpoint comparable in strength to Bicoid's [Eq (2)].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As mentioned above, Lee et al. pointed out that an unknown factor was required for the accumulation of hTopBP1 on the DNA lesion [ 8].

Cell and Bioscience

This product was originally cloned from a human bone marrow FSC cell line by surveying for any unknown factors [ 15], supporting the FSC-dependent growth of the murine pre-B-cell line DW34.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

This time it may be difficult for any unknown factors to trigger shallow reverse-fault earthquakes by superseding and negating the effect of a large negativeΔCFF of 0.1 1.0 MPa.

Earth, Planets and Space

"We're not just casting about looking for an unknown environmental factor.

Science Magazine

In summary, creationism and the attitudes towards science represent two potential candidates for an unknown affective factor proposed by Deniz et al. ([2008]).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The c.-151C>A polymorphism is predicted to alter the binding site for an unknown transcription factor (www-bimas.cit.nih.gov/molbio/index.shtml).shtml

Plosone

It is interesting that there is an inverted repeat motif at the 3′ end of the duplicated region that could be a binding site for an unknown protein factor.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy

Surely, it is not yet certain whether Ki-67 itself is a causable indicator for the triple negative paradox or just a mediator for another unknown factor.

Breast Cancer Research

Cardiomyocyte controls expressed several genes coding for growth factors which could be candidate genes for the unknown factor secreted by cardiomyocytes, which might include connective tissue growth factor (Ccn2/Ctgf), insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2 (Igf-1, 2) and Tgfb1.

Plosone

Despite these findings, a number of scientists continued to search for "factor X", an unknown exogenous factor associated with the earth's rotation that was driving circadian oscillations in the absence of a light dark schedule, until the mid-twentieth century.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for an unknown factor", clearly acknowledge the limitation of your analysis due to this unknown, and suggest potential avenues for further investigation to identify or mitigate its impact.

Common error

Avoid presenting conclusions as definitive when the influence of an "unknown factor" is acknowledged. Instead, frame your statements with appropriate caveats to reflect the uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for an unknown factor" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating a reason or cause that is not fully understood. It acknowledges a limitation in knowledge or understanding, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for an unknown factor" is a grammatically correct expression used to acknowledge the potential influence of unidentified variables. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. While found across various sources, it's most prevalent in scientific and news contexts. The presence of an "unknown factor" introduces uncertainty, suggesting the need for further investigation. When using this phrase, acknowledge the limitations of your analysis and avoid overstating certainty, as its presence qualifies statements and indicates a need for further work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to an unidentified element

Replaces "unknown factor" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of identification.

because of an unspecified variable

Substitutes "unknown factor" with "unspecified variable", highlighting the variable's undefined nature.

owing to a mysterious influence

Replaces "unknown factor" with a more enigmatic term, "mysterious influence", suggesting an effect that is not only unknown but also puzzling.

attributable to a hidden component

Replaces "unknown factor" with "hidden component", emphasizing that the component is concealed or not easily observable.

as a result of an unquantified aspect

Focuses on the lack of quantification of the aspect, suggesting that it cannot be measured or precisely determined.

stemming from an obscure determinant

Replaces "unknown factor" with a more formal term, "obscure determinant", implying that the determinant is not well-known or easily understood.

linked to an unacknowledged element

Suggests the element's existence is known but its influence is not properly acknowledged.

related to a latent cause

Implies the factor is a cause that is hidden or not yet active/apparent.

down to a surprise variable

Uses "surprise" to emphasize the unexpected nature of the variable.

caused by an unrevealed influence

Highlights the fact that the factor is influencing the situation but is hidden from discovery.

FAQs

How can I use "for an unknown factor" in a sentence?

You can use "for an unknown factor" when you want to acknowledge that something may be influencing a situation or result, but you don't know exactly what it is. For example, "The results of the experiment were inconclusive, possibly due to "for an unknown factor"".

What's a more formal way to say "for an unknown factor"?

More formal alternatives include "due to an unidentified variable" or "attributable to an unquantified aspect". These options provide a more technical tone suitable for academic or professional writing.

What can I say instead of "for an unknown factor" in casual conversation?

In a casual setting, you could say "something we don't know about" or "some mystery influence". These options are less formal and easier to understand in everyday conversation.

How does the presence of an "unknown factor" affect the validity of research?

The presence of an "unknown factor" introduces uncertainty and potential bias. Researchers should acknowledge its possible impact and consider strategies to minimize its influence or identify it in future studies.