a catalyst

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a catalyst" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that causes a change or an event to happen, often in a scientific or metaphorical context. Example: "The new policy served as a catalyst for innovation within the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a catalyst".

The New York Times

Now Lexi is a catalyst.

The New York Times - Sports

"This will be a catalyst.

The New York Times

"We became a catalyst".

The New York Times

"It provided a catalyst.

The Guardian

The move proved a catalyst for success.

The New York Times

It's a catalyst for further interest".

The New York Times

If anything, he was a catalyst".

The New York Times

The Marshall Plan was a catalyst.

The New Yorker

A catalyst might be Mr Mori himself.

The Economist

That was a catalyst for me.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a catalyst" when you want to emphasize the role of something in initiating or accelerating a specific change or process. Be sure the context clearly indicates what change is being catalyzed.

Common error

Avoid using "a catalyst" without specifying the specific reaction or change it is initiating. For instance, instead of saying "Technology was a catalyst", specify: "Technology was "a catalyst" for improved communication" to provide a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a catalyst" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying something or someone that initiates or accelerates a change, reaction, or process. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts to highlight the role of an entity in bringing about a specific outcome. Ludwig AI considers that this phase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a catalyst" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that identifies something that initiates or accelerates a process, change or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s versatile, appearing across various domains like news, science, and business. To make the most of it, ensure the context is specific about the change being catalyzed. While alternatives like "an impetus" or "a trigger" exist, "a catalyst" distinctly emphasizes the influential role in starting or speeding up a transformation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an impetus

This phrase suggests a driving force or initial motivation behind an action or event.

a stimulus

This term refers to something that provokes or accelerates activity or development.

a trigger

This denotes something that initiates a process or reaction, often suddenly.

a driving force

This phrase signifies a powerful influence that compels something to happen.

a spark

This suggests a sudden burst of energy or inspiration that ignites a process.

an agent of change

This term refers to someone or something that actively promotes transformation.

a facilitator

This implies something that makes a process easier or more likely to happen.

a boost

This refers to something that provides a surge of energy or support.

an enabler

This term describes something that makes it possible for something else to occur.

a stimulus for

Similar to stimulus but specifies "for" a certain event.

FAQs

How can I use "a catalyst" in a sentence?

Use "a catalyst" to describe something that triggers or speeds up a process. For example, "The economic crisis served as "a catalyst" for political reform."

What are some alternatives to using "a catalyst"?

You can use alternatives like "an impetus", "a stimulus", or "a trigger" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "catalyst" or "a catalyst"?

Using "a catalyst" is generally preferred when referring to something as one of many potential instigators. "Catalyst" without the article can be used in more technical or abstract contexts.

What's the difference between "a catalyst" and "a facilitator"?

"A catalyst" implies initiating or accelerating a change, while "a facilitator" implies making a process easier or smoother. A facilitator helps something along; a catalyst starts or speeds it up.