underlying factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental cause or reason that influences a situation or outcome. Example: "The underlying factor contributing to the team's success was their strong communication skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a clinician, however, he may have missed an underlying factor.

The New York Times

Dilation of the blood vessels (vasodilation) is the underlying factor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A: I think the underlying factor is that the status quo is not sustainable and it's not acceptable.

The New York Times - Health

A more basic underlying factor was the generally low level of economic development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The main underlying factor for 2010 and this election, President Obama's approval rating, is at the same 47% it's been since late February.

The Guardian - Opinion

Morphodynamic changes are also a basic underlying factor.

Geomorphology

One of them is more deeply validating and updating the assumptions of each underlying factor.

European Journal of Futures Research

(Assuming one underlying factor α = 0.750).

BMC Medical Education

Second, do the instruments reflect a common underlying factor?

Behavior Genetics

Some scales relating to HBM also depicted only one underlying factor component.

HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care

This would reflect other potential influences on item responses than the underlying factor(s).

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "underlying factor", ensure that you provide sufficient context to clarify what the factor underlies. Being specific enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "underlying factor" as the only cause when other contributing elements are also at play. Acknowledge the complexity of the situation by recognizing other factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying factor" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a fundamental cause or reason behind a situation. According to Ludwig, it is used to point out a factor that, while not always immediately apparent, is crucial in understanding why something is happening.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underlying factor" is a versatile and widely used expression to pinpoint fundamental causes across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability, especially in analytical contexts. Predominantly featured in scientific and news media, "underlying factor" serves to uncover hidden reasons behind observed phenomena. Alternative phrases such as "root cause", "fundamental reason", and "key driver" offer nuanced perspectives, depending on the desired emphasis. When employing this phrase, clarity and context are paramount to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

root cause

Focuses on the fundamental cause at the base of a problem.

fundamental reason

Emphasizes the foundational logic behind a situation.

key driver

Highlights the primary force propelling a certain outcome.

core influence

Points to the central impact on a particular condition.

major contributor

Stresses the significant part played in an event.

primary determinant

Indicates the main element deciding a specific result.

chief element

Highlights the main element in the whole.

essential component

Focuses on the necessary part that forms a condition.

driving force

Indicates the impetus of an action.

causal agent

Stresses the factor responsible for producing an effect.

FAQs

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

Use "underlying factor" to describe a fundamental cause or reason. For example: "The "underlying factor" in the company's success was its innovative marketing strategy".

What's a good alternative to "underlying factor"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "root cause", "fundamental reason", or "key driver".

What is the difference between "underlying factor" and "superficial cause"?

"Underlying factor" refers to a fundamental, often hidden cause, while "superficial cause" is an obvious or immediate cause that may not reveal the deeper issues at play. For example, low employee morale might be the superficial cause but bad management style could be an "underlying factor".

Is "underlying factor" formal or informal language?

"Underlying factor" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a neutral phrase commonly used in academic, professional, and everyday language.