the key factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the key factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the most important element or consideration in a particular situation or analysis. Example: "In determining the success of the project, the key factor was effective communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Performance is the key factor.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think that was the key factor".

The New York Times - Sports

The latter is the key factor.

Independent

But overall, deprivation is the key factor.

Independent

It is the key factor.

The New York Times

And in between lies the key factor.

The Guardian - Sport

But installation is the key factor.

The Guardian - Money

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

The New York Times - Sports

(She found that monetary policy was the key factor).

The New Yorker

But the key factor is the demographic factor.

The New York Times - Arts

"The idea is important, but not necessarily the key factor.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the key factor", ensure you clearly define what that factor is and its impact on the situation you're describing.

Common error

Avoid presenting "the key factor" as the only factor. Acknowledge other contributing elements to provide a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key factor" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object complement. It serves to identify the most significant element in a situation, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the key factor" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to highlight the most important element in a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, appearing most often in news, science, and business-related content. When using "the key factor", make sure to clearly define the element you are identifying and acknowledge that while it is central, other elements may also contribute. Remember that while "the key factor" directs focus to a single element, balance is important; consider using alternative phrasing such as "a key factor" to suggest contributing influences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the crucial element

Emphasizes the element's importance in determining an outcome.

the determining factor

Highlights the role of decisively influencing a result.

the vital component

Stresses the necessity of the element for completeness or success.

the principal cause

Focuses on the element as the main reason behind something.

the central aspect

Identifies the element as the core or focus of something.

the main driver

Highlights the element as the force propelling something forward.

the most important thing

Highlights the element as the greatest significance.

the critical variable

Emphasizes the element's sensitivity and potential for impact.

the deciding influence

Focuses on the element's capacity to sway a decision.

the lynchpin

Stresses the element's role in holding everything together.

FAQs

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

Use "the key factor" to highlight the most important element or consideration in a particular situation. For instance, "In determining the project's success, "the key factor" was team communication".

What can I say instead of "the key factor"?

You can use alternatives like "the crucial element", "the determining factor", or "the vital component" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "the key factor" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral phrase used across various professional and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "the key factor" and "a key factor"?

"The key factor" implies there is one most important element. "A key factor" suggests that the element is important, but not necessarily the only one.