immediate factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immediate factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a direct or proximate cause or influence in a situation or context. Example: "The immediate factor contributing to the project's delay was a lack of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The most immediate factor is an unusually high number of closures for maintenance.

The Economist

Yet for now, Mr Gates reckons the most immediate factor affecting America's future security is whether it wins or loses today's wars.

The Economist

Perhaps the most immediate factor leading to his assassination was that Mr. Hamidi had begun a contentious campaign to destroy what he considered illegal buildings in northern Kandahar.

The New York Times

But an even more immediate factor in this strike seems to be the engineers' perception that the company is trying to play hardball with them while, the engineers say, it basically gave in with its settlement with the machinists' union.

The New York Times

A more immediate factor in China's strategic calculus is that it hopes to get access to the Sea of Japan for the first time by helping to develop a new North Korean port at Rajin.

The New York Times

The alleged involvement of al-Ḥallāj in an attempt at political and moral reform upon his return to Baghdad was an immediate factor in his arrest, and it did nothing to improve his image in the eyes of the political leaders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The global economy remains fragile, and a global recession could be sparked by any number of more immediate factors.

The Guardian - Money

But it hard to see beyond the more immediate factors of desertification, prolonged droughts and land restriction.

The Guardian

Other immediate factors are the rising costs of land and shipping, and the effect of poor harvests.

The New York Times

Instead, we must implement a national overdose education strategy targeting the immediate factors of opioid-related overdose: drug mixing and tolerance changes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dean Mirfin, of Key Retirement, said: "One of the immediate factors driving the market is the interest-only crisis, with large numbers of retired homeowners who could lose their properties because they cannot afford to pay off their mortgages.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "immediate factor", ensure you are referring to the most direct and easily identifiable cause or influence, distinguishing it from underlying or indirect factors.

Common error

Avoid implying that the "immediate factor" is the only factor at play. Acknowledge that underlying or contributing factors may also be significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate factor" functions as a noun phrase, where 'immediate' modifies 'factor'. It serves to identify a direct or most apparent cause or influence in a given situation. This is supported by Ludwig examples showcasing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "immediate factor" is a grammatically sound way to refer to a direct or proximate cause. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness. While not as frequent as some other phrases, "immediate factor" appears across varied fields, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using "immediate factor", ensure it clearly denotes the most direct influence and avoid implying it's the sole cause. Alternatives include phrases like "direct cause" or "primary driver", depending on the context. Remember to distinguish it from underlying factors to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct cause

Focuses more on causality than a general influencing factor.

proximate cause

A more technical term for the most direct cause.

primary driver

Emphasizes the driving force behind an event or situation.

key influence

Highlights the importance of the influencing element.

chief determinant

Stresses the decisive nature of the factor.

main contributing element

Broader, referring to one of several things that contribute.

critical component

Emphasizes the necessity of the factor for a system or process.

most pressing issue

Highlights urgency and relevance of the factor.

precipitating event

Highlights that it triggered a chain of events.

urgent consideration

Focuses on the need to address the factor immediately.

FAQs

How can I use "immediate factor" in a sentence?

Use "immediate factor" to point out the most direct and obvious cause of a situation. For example, "The "immediate factor" in the company's success was the launch of a new product."

What's a good alternative to "immediate factor"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "direct cause", "primary driver", or "key influence".

Is it correct to use "immediate factor" when there are other contributing factors?

Yes, it is correct as long as you are identifying the most direct or proximate cause. However, avoid implying it's the only cause; acknowledge other "contributing factors" if present.

What's the difference between "immediate factor" and "underlying factor"?

The "immediate factor" is the most direct and apparent cause, while an "underlying factor" is a less obvious, often long-term influence that contributes to the situation.