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Grammar fix

major factor

important cause

A main reason or influence that strongly affects a situation or result.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Stress was a major factor in her decision to change jobs.daily life
  • In my opinion, a major factor behind the rise in online shopping is the convenience it offers to customers.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: major factor in/behind/for + noun/gerund

WrongMoney was a major factor of his decision.

RightMoney was a major factor in his decision.

'A factor IN something', not 'of'.

Patternmajor factor in/behind/for + noun/gerund

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Cost constituted a preponderant causal element.

Natural Cost was a major factor.

'A major factor' is natural; 'preponderant causal element' is jargon.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a major factor (in)
    incontributingkeydeciding

Don't confuse it

'Minor factor' means a less important reason.

Try it in Daily Speak →