the key factor is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the key factor is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the most important element or aspect of a discussion or analysis. Example: "In determining the success of the project, the key factor is effective communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Thus, in the Colombian context, the key factor is the question of public trust and credibility: Is there sufficient confidence in the national court system to go forward with investigations and trials?

Huffington Post

But the key factor is the demographic factor.

The New York Times - Arts

Here we see that the key factor is incentives or, colloquially, carrots and sticks.

The Guardian

The key factor is the ratio of hydrogen to carbon in a fuel.

The Guardian

No, Pinker argues; the key factor is that they have large African-American populations.

The New Yorker

"The key factor is the regulatory environment rather than input cost".

The New York Times

"The key factor is the environment, whether you're talking about humans or rats," Dr. Hart said.

The New York Times - Science

The key factor is the extremely low density, which hampers heat loss.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In the Belmont, the key factor is getting the distance in the mile and a half.

The New York Times - Sports

The key factor is the frequency of such impacts, which can be determined only by experience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The key factor is Ruth Davidson: middle-class Scots are not impressed with "Kez and Jez", but rate her very highly.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the key factor is" to clearly signal the most important element in a discussion, ensuring your audience understands the central point. For example: "In resolving this conflict, the key factor is open communication."

Common error

Avoid embedding "the key factor is" within overly complex sentences. Keep the phrase concise and directly linked to the subject for maximum clarity. Instead of writing, "While several elements contribute to success, the key factor is, despite other considerations, consistent effort", try "While several elements contribute to success, the key factor is consistent effort."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key factor is" serves as a subject complement, linking the subject to a noun phrase that identifies or describes it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to pinpoint the most significant element in a given context, highlighting what is paramount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the key factor is" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the most important element in a variety of contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in science and news media, its purpose is to highlight the critical aspect influencing a situation. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by placing it directly before the key element and avoiding overly complex sentence structures. Alternatives include "the critical element is" and "the most important thing is" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the critical element is

Replaces "key factor" with "critical element", emphasizing importance.

the most important thing is

Adds emphasis by explicitly stating importance.

the crucial point is

Substitutes "key factor" with "crucial point", highlighting a decisive element.

the determining factor is

Highlights the element that decides an outcome.

the most vital aspect is

Emphasizes importance with "most vital" modifying aspect.

the main thing is

Uses simpler language to indicate the most important point.

the primary consideration is

Replaces "key factor" with a more formal term, "primary consideration."

what matters most is

Shifts the focus to the element of greatest significance.

the central aspect is

Replaces "key factor" with "central aspect" to focus on a core component.

the overriding concern is

Focuses on the most dominant concern affecting a situation.

FAQs

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

Use "the key factor is" to emphasize the most important element or aspect. For example, "In determining the success of the project, "the key factor is" effective communication among team members."

What phrases are similar to "the key factor is"?

Alternatives include "the main thing is", "the most important thing is", or "the crucial point is", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "the key factor is"?

It is appropriate when you want to highlight the single most influential element that determines an outcome or explains a situation. For example: "When choosing a college, "the key factor is" affordability."

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

"The key factor is" indicates the single most important element, while "an important factor is" suggests one of several significant elements. The former is more emphatic. Example: "The key factor is dedication", versus "An important factor is preparation".