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Prepositions before nouns

Using prepositions with "factor"

The noun factor usually appears in patterns such as factor in, factor for, or factor affecting. The combinations of factor and to factor are generally not standard fixed noun patterns.

Quick answer

Do we say "of factor" or "to factor"?

Neither of factor nor to factor is a common fixed combination with the noun factor. English more often uses factor in, factor for, or a factor in something. The phrase to factor is usually part of the verb factor, as in factor in the cost.

Cost is a major factor in the decision.
Age can be a factor for success in sport.
We need to factor in travel expenses.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
factor in + situation

Showing influence or importance

Use factor in to describe something that affects a result or situation.

Experience is an important factor in hiring decisions.
2
factor for + result

Showing support for an outcome

Factor for is used when something contributes positively to a result.

Exercise is a key factor for good health.
3
a factor of + number

Mathematics use

In mathematics, factor of means a number divides another number exactly.

Three is a factor of twelve.
4
to factor in + item

Verb pattern

To factor in belongs to the verb factor, not the noun factor.

We forgot to factor in inflation.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
of factor
The phrase "of factor" is not a standard noun pattern.
generally nonidiomatic except in longer expressions
to factor
We need to factor in the risks.
verb pattern, not noun + preposition
factor in
Price is a factor in customer choice.
something influencing a situation
factor for
Sleep is a factor for recovery.
something helping produce a result
factor of
Five is a factor of twenty.
mathematical relationship

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using "of factor" as a fixed phrase

English does not normally use of directly before factor as a standard combination.

✕ the importance of factor ✓ the importance of the factor

Confusing noun and verb uses

To factor is verbal, while factor in can be a noun pattern.

✕ a to factor in cost ✓ a factor in cost

Using "factor to" instead of "factor in"

Use factor in for influence on a situation.

✕ Stress is a factor to poor sleep. ✓ Stress is a factor in poor sleep.

Forgetting articles with singular nouns

Singular countable uses usually need a or the.

✕ Factor in decision was cost. ✓ A factor in the decision was cost.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Price is a major factor ___ customer demand.
2. We need to factor ___ the extra fees.
3. Six is a factor ___ thirty.

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Frequently asked questions

Is "of factor" correct English?

Usually no. English normally uses another structure such as factor in or factor of.

What does "factor in" mean?

It refers to something that influences a result or to including something in a calculation.

Can "to factor" be correct?

Yes, as part of the verb phrase to factor in or to factor into.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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