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to factor in

to factor in

118 3.6
To include something when you calculate or decide
  • phrasal verb
  • /ˈfæktər ɪn/
translation icon : tener en cuenta
  • You need to factor in travel time when planning your trip to ensure you arrive on schedule.
  • factor in the decision
  • factor in the cost
  • factor in the design

So these things all factor in into this.

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Examples

  • But you have to factor in wind, which is the most difficult part.

  • Personal contact and the impression it creates can be a potent factor in your candidacy.

    Academic text (1991)
  • So all of that factors in to what the bank gives you.

  • And then you also need to factor in, you know, supply and demand.

  • I feel like it's a giant negative when you factor in, like, buying stuff, right.

  • Has that factored in to your investigation?

  • But when you factor in that it's a duplex.

  • But shouldn't that abuse factor in for him as well?

  • Insulin resistance really factors in to how Apo B can go up.

  • You factor in all the conditions, like range to target, minute of arc, and... windage.

Synonyms

to include
vsto factor in
1.0

To make a person or thing part of something larger

is narrower used for entering items into a calculation or decision
to count
vsto factor in
440 1.5

To include someone or something when making a plan

is focused on inclusion within a numerical or decision calculation
to incorporate
vsto factor in
182 4.5

Add something into a plan or system

is about adding elements specifically for calculating or deciding
to take into account
vsto factor in
103 3.2

Consider something when making a decision

is more specific to adding it into a formal calculation
to factor
vsto factor in
66 5.2

To include something when you plan or decide

is about adding something into a calculation or decision
to enter the equation
vsto factor in
1 6.5

To become an important thing to think about in a situation

is about being specifically added into a calculation or decision

Antonyms

338 3.0

To keep someone or something out so they are not part of something

Surface Forms

factor in infinitive
factored in past participle
factoring in present participle
factors in third person singular

Morphology

factor + in

The meaning 'to include something as part of a calculation or decision' is directly derivable from 'factor' (to include or consider) combined with the particle 'in' indicating inclusion. This is a transparent verb + particle composition common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The phrasal verb factor in comes from the simple image of doing a calculation: you take a factor (a number or part) and put it in the total. So, to factor in something today means 'to include it as part of a calculation or decision'.