ADJ
basic, critical, crucial, decisive, essential, fundamental, important, key, main, major, necessary, principal, significant, vital
dominant
Fear was the dominant element in the child's decision to skip school that day.
considerable, large
Working in construction always involved a large element of risk that we had to accept.
competitive
The game had a strong competitive element that kept all the players excited until the end.
racial, sexual
There was a sexual element to their disagreement that made the conversation uncomfortable.
VERB + ELEMENT
be, constitute, form
contain, have, include, involve
The film includes an element of comedy that makes it enjoyable for all ages.
introduce
PREP
~ in
Humor is an important element in making the movie enjoyable for audiences of all ages.
~ of
There was an element of truth in what he said, though he exaggerated most of it.
VERB + ELEMENT
brave
The hikers decided to brave the elements and completed their mountain trek despite the storm.
battle (against)
Climbers must battle the elements when attempting to reach the mountain's peak.
be exposed to, be open to
The hikers were exposed to harsh weather elements during their mountain climb.
be protected from, be sheltered from
PHRASES
protection/shelter from the elements