A x factor vs An x factor

Both "a x factor" and "an x factor" can be correct depending on the pronunciation of the following word. If the next word starts with a vowel sound, you should use "an x factor." If it starts with a consonant sound, you should use "a x factor."

Last updated: March 23, 2024

A x factor

This phrase is correct when the following word starts with a consonant sound.

Use "a x factor" when the next word starts with a consonant sound. The article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

Examples:

She has a x factor that makes her stand out in the crowd.
He is a x factor in the success of the project.

Alternatives:

a factor
a unique factor
a special factor
a key factor
a crucial factor

An x factor

This phrase is correct when the following word starts with a vowel sound.

Use "an x factor" when the next word starts with a vowel sound. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

Examples:

She is an x factor in the team's performance.
An x factor in the equation changed the outcome.

Show examples from the web [+]

Oscar is definitely an X factor in my theory.
I define it by the number of relevant facts it contains, and I define it by an X factor that I trust Will and myself to determine, using our combined five decades in the field.
What we look for in a car is, and I'm loathed to use the word, it's an X factor.
And none of them will have something, that we're really looking for on this new series of Top Gear. It's an X factor.
! That was like an X Factor result pause!

Alternatives:

an element of surprise
an unknown factor
an important factor
an essential factor
an influential factor

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A x factor vs An x factor

A x factor

An x factor

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