key determinant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key determinant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a factor or element that has a significant impact on the outcome of a situation. For example: "Education level was a key determinant in the election outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A key determinant is national savings.

The Economist

"The key determinant of success invariably relates to human behaviour".

The Guardian

The key determinant is: would I go back?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gene expression is a key determinant of cellular phenotypes.

Nature

Dendritic arbor morphology is a key determinant of neuronal function.

Princeton University

Research is a key determinant of health improvement.

Research Policy

The key determinant of millennialism's impact on society is timing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Turkey is likely to be a key determinant.

Independent

It is the key determinant of wages and living standards".

Independent

We know from our own work that emotional wellbeing is a key determinant of life chances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Habitat destruction is a key determinant of species extinction.

Ecological Modelling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and purpose; while "key determinant" is suitable for formal and academic writing, more informal contexts might benefit from simpler alternatives like "main reason".

Common error

Avoid using "key determinant" when the factor is merely influential but not definitively decisive. Using it inappropriately can exaggerate the factor's importance and mislead the reader. Choose a more fitting term, such as "significant factor" or "contributing element", when the factor in question plays an important but not absolutely critical role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key determinant" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as a crucial or decisive factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key determinant" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the importance of a factor influencing an outcome. According to Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal and scientific contexts. Usage analysis reveals that it commonly appears in scientific, news media, and academic sources. When using "key determinant", ensure clarity and precision to avoid overstating the factor's importance. Consider simpler alternatives like "main reason" in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determining factor

This highlights the element that ultimately decides or controls the outcome, offering a more definitive tone.

crucial influence

This phrase focuses on the power to affect events, decisions, or outcomes significantly.

primary driver

This alternative focuses on the aspect of being the main force behind something, emphasizing momentum and direction.

critical element

This emphasizes the indispensable nature of the factor, suggesting that it is essential for success or completion.

principal cause

This alternative implies a direct causal relationship, where the factor is the main reason for a particular result.

major factor

This alternative broadens the scope to any significant element, not necessarily the most important, but still influential.

main reason

This is a simpler and more direct way to indicate the primary cause or justification for something.

essential component

This term highlights that the factor is a necessary part of a larger system or process, without which the system would be incomplete.

vital aspect

This alternative emphasizes the importance of the element for the survival or proper functioning of something.

significant variable

This term is often used in scientific and statistical contexts to indicate a factor that has a notable impact on the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "key determinant" in a sentence?

You can use "key determinant" to identify a factor that strongly influences an outcome. For example, "Access to education is a key determinant of economic success."

What are some alternatives to using "key determinant"?

Alternatives include "determining factor", "major influence", or "primary driver", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "key determinant" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "key determinant" is more suited for formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "main reason" or "biggest factor" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "key determinant" and "contributing factor"?

"Key determinant" suggests a factor that plays a crucial or decisive role, whereas "contributing factor" implies that it is one of several elements that influence the outcome, but not necessarily the most important one.