to factor in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to factor in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when considering or including something as part of a decision-making process or calculation. Example: "When planning the budget, we need to factor in the unexpected expenses that may arise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's something you have to factor in," Mr. Whedon said.

The New York Times - Books

It's one of the risks that you have to factor in doing business here".

The New York Times

Ultimately, Sapolsky finds he has to factor in something as quirky as personality.

The New York Times - Books

"Intelligent life is difficult to factor in when making these kind of predictions," O'Malley-James said.

Huffington Post

I try to factor in both those impulses".

The New York Times

"Everything has to factor in when everybody's shooting low scores.

The New York Times - Sports

"Any board needs to factor in the larger picture".

The New York Times

"You have to factor in quality of life," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

Remember to factor in enough independent study time.

The Guardian

Restaurants and clubs have had to factor in periodic curfews.

The New York Times

Forgot to factor in the twelve per cent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to factor in", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being included or considered. For example, "When calculating the total cost, remember to factor in shipping and handling fees."

Common error

Avoid only factoring in obvious elements. Be sure to consider less apparent influences that might significantly affect the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to factor in" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, indicating the action of considering or including something as a relevant element in a decision or calculation. As Ludwig AI confirm, this expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

16%

Reference

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to factor in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that emphasizes the importance of including specific elements in a decision-making process. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's applicable across various registers, from news and media to formal business and even informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the specific element or consideration being factored in is clearly indicated. Consider alternatives like "to take into account" or "to consider" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to look beyond just the obvious influencing aspects and make sure you are factoring in all the elements. It occurs most frequently in News & Media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to take into account

Focuses on considering something important.

to consider

A more general term for thinking about something.

to include in the calculation

Specifically refers to adding something to a numerical calculation.

to bear in mind

Emphasizes remembering something important when making a decision.

to give consideration to

Highlights the act of thoughtfully assessing something.

to make allowance for

Focuses on permitting or accounting for something.

to reckon with

Emphasizes dealing with or acknowledging something, often a challenge.

to incorporate

Suggests blending or integrating something into a whole.

to keep in view

Implies maintaining focus on a particular aspect.

to remember to add

Specifically highlights the act of adding something that should not be forgotten.

FAQs

What does "to factor in" mean?

The phrase "to factor in" means to consider or include something when making a decision or calculation. It suggests that the item is important and should not be overlooked.

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

You can use "to factor in" by including it in a sentence where you're talking about considering elements. For example, "We need "to factor in" the cost of materials when estimating the project budget."

What can I say instead of "to factor in"?

You can use alternatives like "to take into account", "to consider", or "to include" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "factor in" or "take into account"?

Both "factor in" and "take into account" are correct and can often be used interchangeably. "Factor in" is slightly more informal and implies a more active inclusion, while "take into account" may suggest a more passive consideration.