substantial factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a significant cause or element that contributes to a particular outcome or effect. Example: "In determining liability, the court must establish whether the defendant's actions were a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff's injuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Law

General Usage

Science

News

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It follows that this speed was not a substantial factor in bringing about the accident.

Harvard University

The negligence must also be a substantial factor in bringing about the plaintiff's harm.

Harvard University

Although high bed occupancy has a number of causes, delayed discharges through shortfalls in social care are a substantial factor.

The Guardian

Judge Jackson acknowledged the need to weigh whether the employee's speech was a substantial factor in being fired.

The New York Times

This is a substantial factor for the laser-assisted micro forming process design.

CIRP Annals

Nowadays, software effort and time estimation becomes a substantial factor in software engineering community.

Procedia Computer Science

Psychologists have found that a substantial factor accounting for this variability is the perceived degree of control that people have over their daily lives.

The Guardian

Colocation, or the ganging of several carriers on one tower, consolidates the environmental impact and increases the rental income, which can be a substantial factor.

The New York Times

"The growth in traffic since these bridges were designed has been a very substantial factor in the need for strengthening and upgrading these bridges.

The Telegraph

In the first stage, jurors determined that exposure to glyphosate — the active ingredient in Roundup — was a substantial factor in Edwin Hardeman's cancer diagnosis.

The Washington Post

Thus, we agree with plaintiffs that the substantial factor test was the appropriate test of proximate causation in the context of the third jury interrogatory.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial factor" in legal or formal writing, ensure you clearly define the context and explain how the factor significantly contributed to the outcome. Avoid vagueness to maintain clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial factor" when the element only has a minor or insignificant effect. Overstating its importance can weaken your argument and mislead the audience. Use more appropriate terms for elements with less impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial factor" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies something as being a noteworthy and significant cause or influence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a common term in many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

29%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial factor" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that signifies a significant cause or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in formal contexts like legal, academic, scientific and news reporting, it effectively highlights the importance of a particular element in shaping an outcome. When writing, ensure the factor's significance is accurately represented and consider simpler alternatives like "significant element" or "major contributor" for informal settings. Overstating the factor's role is a common error to avoid. Overall, mastering the use of "substantial factor" enhances precision and clarity in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant element

Focuses on the importance and influence of the factor.

major contributor

Highlights the factor's role in actively contributing to an outcome.

key component

Emphasizes the factor as a necessary and integral part of a whole.

primary cause

Suggests the factor is the main reason behind an event or situation.

principal driver

Indicates the factor is a strong force propelling a particular result.

considerable influence

Highlights the power and impact of the factor on a situation.

notable aspect

Emphasizes the factor as being worthy of attention and easily observed.

important variable

Highlights that it has the capacity to change in the context of statistics or other systems of measurement.

material element

Indicates that the factor is relevant to the outcome.

large component

Stresses the factor's size or proportion relative to other factors.

FAQs

How is "substantial factor" used in legal contexts?

In law, "substantial factor" is often used to determine causation, meaning that the factor played a significant role in bringing about a particular event or harm. It's a key element in establishing liability.

What are some synonyms for "substantial factor"?

Alternatives include "significant element", "major contributor", or "key component", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "substantial factor" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "substantial factor" leans towards formal usage. In informal contexts, consider simpler phrases like "big part" or "major influence" for better readability.

What's the difference between "substantial factor" and "direct cause"?

"Direct cause" implies a more immediate and singular cause-and-effect relationship. "Substantial factor" suggests the element significantly contributed to the outcome, even if other factors were also involved. The "primary cause" is the most important, while other "significant elements" could also be substantial factors.