main factor in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main factor in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the most significant element contributing to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The main factor in the project's success was the team's dedication and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In fact, coal combustion probably was the main factor in the deaths, the researchers said.

The New York Times - Science

Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said that quality was the main factor in authorizing a supplier.

The New York Times

He suggested that fear was not the main factor in the low attendance.

The New York Times

How you raise your child is the main factor in everything, not mutilating your daughter".

The New York Times

Green says that the main factor in his enthusiasm for the study was its elegant design.

The New Yorker

But the film's focus on the homophobia as the main factor in Edward II's downfall is open to dispute.

The Guardian - Film

Violence is not the main factor in whether a movie gets an R or an NC-17 rating.

The New York Times

For all the talk about electability, barely one in 10 respondents said it was the main factor in their decision.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama's advisers said that where cabinet officials came from was not the main factor in making these selections.

The New York Times

Warner, who is considering retirement, said Haley's departure would not be the main factor in whether he returns.

The New York Times

Some see him as the main factor in the country getting back on its feet after the civil war.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main factor in", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the factor being discussed is indeed the most significant one. Avoid overusing the phrase; consider alternatives for variety.

Common error

Avoid using "main factor in" when the element is only one of several important factors. Ensure there is sufficient evidence to support the claim that it is the primary driver.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main factor in" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies the primary cause or influence within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "main factor in" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to identify the most significant cause or influence in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While alternatives exist, "main factor in" offers a clear and direct way to convey this meaning across various contexts. As this analysis shows, it is particularly common in news and scientific writing. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the primary importance of the factor being discussed to avoid overstating its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principal reason for

Replaces "factor" with "reason", emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship.

primary driver of

Substitutes "factor" with "driver", suggesting a force that propels an outcome.

key element in

Replaces "factor" with "element", highlighting a crucial component.

major contributor to

Uses "contributor" instead of "factor", focusing on the contribution aspect.

most significant influence on

Emphasizes the impact as an "influence" rather than a "factor".

leading cause of

Highlights the causal relationship by using "cause" instead of "factor".

central aspect of

Focuses on the "aspect" as being central to the subject.

primary component of

Highlights that the factor is a core part of something.

chief determinant of

Emphasizes the determining role of the factor.

predominant reason behind

Combines "predominant" with "reason behind" to stress the overriding explanation.

FAQs

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

Use "main factor in" to highlight the most significant element contributing to a specific outcome. For example, "The "main factor in" the company's growth was its innovative marketing strategy".

What are some alternatives to "main factor in"?

Alternatives include "principal reason for", "primary driver of", or "key element in". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context.

Is it better to say "main factor" or "key factor"?

Both "main factor" and "key factor" are acceptable, but "main factor" suggests a higher degree of significance than "key factor". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "main factor in" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "main factor in" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and direct way to express the primary cause or influence in a situation. Ensure the rest of your writing maintains a formal tone.