the critical factor is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the critical factor is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when identifying or emphasizing an important element or aspect of a situation or argument. Example: "In this analysis, the critical factor is the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Obviously, the critical factor is now how the Government responds".

Independent

The critical factor is that the first-person voice sustains, and Anthony Sonaghan's does so impressively.

The Guardian - Books

The critical factor is whether the recount makes the election so close that those ballots could swing the outcome.

The New York Times

The critical factor is the distance between the viewer and the set.

The New York Times

The critical factor is that those who are now breaking faith are the core vote, whose defection threatens Labour's very survival.

The Guardian

"The critical factor is the adult who buys the product - the shopper," says John Nevens, co-founder of marketing specialists Bridgethorne.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The critical factor was the date of first use.

The New Yorker

The trap may be of any shape, the critical factor being that it is a closed, inverted container.

Encyclopedia Britannica

BUT Ms. Wedgwood, who is a visiting professor at Johns Hopkins University this year, said that the critical factor was whether the Balkans tribunal, without any investigative service of its own, could muster the necessary evidence.

The New York Times

The critical factor was the density of park guards.

Science Magazine

The critical factor was the level of earthquake ground motion.

Engineering Geology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure that the factor you identify is genuinely critical and not merely important. A true critical factor is indispensable for achieving the desired outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "the critical factor is" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "'the key aspect is'" or "'the main consideration is'".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the critical factor is" serves as a subject complement, linking the subject to a noun phrase that identifies or describes it. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It is used to pinpoint the single most important element in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the critical factor is" is a grammatically sound and effective way to emphasize the most crucial element in a situation. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, showing its versatility across various registers. While pinpointing the single most important element influencing a situation or decision is useful to provide clarity and focus, overusing it may dilute its impact so consider use alternative phrases. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the key factor is

Replaces "critical" with "key", indicating importance but with slightly less urgency.

the crucial element is

Substitutes "critical" with "crucial", emphasizing decisiveness.

the most important thing is

Offers a more general and less formal way to highlight what matters most.

the determining factor is

Highlights the element that decides an outcome.

the primary consideration is

Focuses on what should be given the most thought or attention.

the essential aspect is

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the factor.

what matters most is

A more direct and emphatic way of stating importance.

the main priority is

Indicates what should be addressed first or given precedence.

the deciding influence is

Highlights the impact of the factor on a final decision or result.

the bottom line is

Provides a summary or conclusion, focusing on the most vital information.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "the critical factor is" in a sentence?

Use "the critical factor is" to highlight the single most important element determining the outcome of a situation. For example, "In this experiment, "the critical factor is temperature"."

What are some alternatives to "the critical factor is"?

You can use alternatives like "the key factor is", "the most important thing is", or "the determining factor is" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the critical factor are"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. Since "factor" is singular, the verb should be "is". The correct phrase is "the critical factor is". If you have multiple factors, you can say "the critical factors are".

What's the difference between "the critical factor is" and "an important factor is"?

"The critical factor is" emphasizes that the identified factor is the most important one, whereas "an important factor is" simply indicates that the factor is significant but not necessarily the most crucial.