is a contributing factor

USAGE SUMMARY

"is a contributing factor" is a perfectly acceptable phrase that can be used in written English.
For example, "Lack of exercise is a contributing factor to obesity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Free school choice is a contributing factor.

The Economist

(The silence of governments worldwide is a contributing factor too).

The New Yorker

But clearly, climate change is a contributing factor.

Yale University

Aging is a contributing factor to rotator cuff tears.

PM&R

Posterior shoulder tightness is a contributing factor to shoulder injuries.

Musculoskeletal Science and Practice

"That said, we do know that magnesium chloride is a contributing factor to some outages".

The New York Times - Science

"I am suspicious that manipulation and culturing of embryos is a contributing factor," he adds.

The New York Times - Health

I want to see a recognition that poverty is a contributing factor to social problems.

The Guardian

"It's certainly possible that racial bias is a contributing factor to these disparities.

Princeton University

Evidence indicates that damage by free radicals is a contributing factor to the pathology of HD.

Stanford University

Low oxygen levels in the blood overnight is a contributing factor, but lack of truly restful and restorative sleep is a contributing factor to the long-term consequences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a contributing factor", clearly specify what it contributes to. For instance, instead of saying "Stress is a contributing factor", clarify by stating "Stress is a contributing factor to heart disease".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of the contributing factor. While it plays a role, acknowledge that other factors may also be involved. Instead of saying "Lack of sleep is the only contributing factor", consider "Lack of sleep is a contributing factor, among others".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a contributing factor" functions as a predicate nominative, linking the subject to a noun phrase that identifies a factor influencing a particular outcome or situation. It is commonly used to specify a cause, element, or influence that aids in a result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a contributing factor" is a versatile expression used to denote that something plays a role, though not necessarily the sole role, in bringing about a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields, including science, news, and formal communication. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specify exactly what the factor contributes to and avoid overstating its influence, acknowledging the potential involvement of other elements. Alternatives like "plays a role" or "is partly responsible" can be used to add nuance. Understanding its function and purpose helps in precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plays a role

This alternative is more general, suggesting involvement without specifying the degree of impact.

has an impact on

This alternative emphasizes the effect something has, without specifying its direct contribution.

is partly responsible

This alternative directly implies a degree of accountability for a specific outcome.

is a key component of

This alternative emphasizes the importance of something as part of a larger whole.

factors into

This alternative indicates that something is taken into account when considering a situation.

is influential in

This suggests that something has the power to affect events or decisions.

is instrumental

This alternative suggests a crucial or vital role in achieving a particular result.

helps to create

This alternative implies a role in the creation or development of something.

is a determinant of

This option suggests a strong influence, implying that it helps decide the nature of something.

is implicated in

This alternative suggests involvement, often in a negative or undesirable context.

FAQs

How can I use "is a contributing factor" in a sentence?

The phrase "is a contributing factor" is used to indicate that something plays a role in causing a particular outcome. For example, "Poor diet "is a contributing factor" to heart disease".

What can I say instead of "is a contributing factor"?

You can use alternatives like "plays a role", "is partly responsible", or "factors into" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is a factor" or "is a contributing factor"?

"Is a contributing factor" is more specific. Saying something "is a factor" is very general. "Is a contributing factor" clarifies that it plays an active role in causing or influencing something.

What's the difference between "is a contributing factor" and "is the main reason"?

"Is a contributing factor" implies that something is one of several reasons, while "is the main reason" suggests it's the primary or most important cause. For instance, poor diet might be a contributing factor to obesity, but lack of exercise might be "the main reason".