key factor in

USAGE SUMMARY

You can use the phrase "key factor in" in written English.
It is used to indicate a particular element, factor, or condition that plays an important role in a particular situation. For example: The availability of experienced staff was a key factor in the success of the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The key factor in reuniting, he said, was time.

The New York Times - Sports

"A key factor in parkour is gradualism," he said.

The New Yorker

So why isn't it a key factor in the marketing?

The Guardian - Tech

That was obviously one key factor in this.

The Guardian - Sport

A key factor in this is providing affordable housing.

The New York Times

Trump is a key factor in the asymmetry.

The Washington Post

Forestry is a key factor in northern Manitoba's economy.

Britannica

But it could be a key factor in the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Social relationships are a key factor in shaping our prejudices.

University of California, Berkeley

Another key factor in partnership across institutions is equal collaboration.

Harvard University

That's a key factor in tropical cloud formation, which in turn is a key factor in modeling future temperatures.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key factor in", ensure it's followed by a specific and concrete noun phrase to clearly identify what the factor influences. Avoid vague or overly general statements.

Common error

While "key factor in" is useful, avoid overuse in close proximity. Variety your writing by employing synonyms like "significant element", "crucial aspect", or rephrasing sentences to reduce repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key factor in" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It identifies and emphasizes the importance of a particular element within a given context. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is widely recognized and accepted in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key factor in" is a widely used and accepted phrase for emphasizing the importance of a particular element. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, but particularly common in News & Media, Academia, and Science. To use it effectively, ensure it's followed by a specific noun phrase and avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms into your writing, such as "significant element", "crucial aspect", or "vital component". Remember that while it is similar to the phrase "important factor in", it implies a higher degree of influence, and that using it in formal writing is not only acceptable but generally beneficial to clarity. You can ensure best practices by following Ludwig’s guidelines, as well as the best practices and most common errors listed above.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant element in

Replaces "factor" with "element", emphasizing a component part.

crucial aspect of

Substitutes "key factor" with "crucial aspect", highlighting importance.

vital component of

Changes "factor" to "component", stressing the role as a part of a whole.

primary driver of

Replaces "key factor" with "primary driver", indicating a cause or impetus.

central reason for

Changes "factor" to "reason", focusing on the rationale behind something.

main contributor to

Replaces "factor" with "contributor", highlighting the active role.

principal cause of

Substitutes "factor" with "cause", emphasizing a direct effect.

major influence on

Changes "factor" to "influence", focusing on the power to affect something.

critical determinant of

Replaces "key factor" with "critical determinant", highlighting decisiveness.

essential ingredient for

Changes "factor" to "ingredient", emphasizing necessity.

FAQs

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

Use "key factor in" to highlight a significant element contributing to a specific outcome. For example, "Adaptability was a "key factor in" their success".

What are some alternatives to "key factor in"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "significant element in", "crucial aspect of", or "vital component of".

Is it appropriate to use "key factor in" in formal writing?

Yes, "key factor in" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to indicate a significant element. Ensure, however, that the rest of your writing maintains a formal tone.

What's the difference between "key factor in" and "important factor in"?

While similar, "key factor in" suggests a higher degree of importance or influence than "important factor in". "Key factor in" emphasizes that the element is essential or decisive, whereas "important factor in" simply indicates significance.