a driving factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a driving factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant influence or motivation behind a decision, action, or event. Example: "The need for sustainable energy sources has become a driving factor in the development of new technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's no question that energy policy will be a driving factor of whether America continues to drive the global economy.

Huffington Post

But, more important, money was a driving factor.

The New York Times

And nostalgia seems to be a driving factor.

The New York Times

Fear of regulatory response is also a driving factor.

Independent

But all this is a welcome consequence, not a driving factor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The experience of being in Clint Eastwood's much acclaimed new film, "Mystic River," seems to have been a driving factor.

The New York Times

That's a mystery unexplored – and, down below, a driving factor in the whole Scottish debate over 20 tumultuous years.

The Guardian

So the ability, or not, to access Pornhub's porn could be a driving factor for adoption of VR.

The Guardian - Tech

Technology is not the only cause of these changes, but scientists have made clear that it is a driving factor.

The New Yorker

Both Mr. Kim and Ms. Moon back the women's assertions that the control of venereal disease was a driving factor for the two governments.

The New York Times

He added: "Although it probably won't be a driving factor when choosing university, this is just the sort of information that should be at students' fingertips.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a driving factor", ensure that the connection between the factor and the outcome is clear and well-supported by evidence. This strengthens your argument and enhances credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a driving factor" as the only influence when other elements also contribute. Acknowledge other factors for a balanced and nuanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a driving factor" functions as a noun phrase within a sentence, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies and characterizes a significant cause, influence, or motivation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a driving factor" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes a significant cause or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure that the connection between the factor and the outcome is clear and supported by evidence. While it is a useful expression, remember to avoid overstating its importance and acknowledge any other contributing elements. Alternatives such as "key determinant" or "major influence" can be used to add variety to your writing while maintaining semantic accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key determinant

Emphasizes the decisive role of the factor in determining an outcome.

a major influence

Highlights the impact of the factor on something else.

a primary cause

Focuses on the factor as the main reason behind an event or situation.

a significant contributor

Stresses the factor's role in adding to a particular result.

an important element

Indicates that the factor is a crucial part of a larger whole.

a central consideration

Highlights that the factor is a main point to think about.

a vital component

Emphasizes the factor's essential nature.

a crucial aspect

Highlights that the factor is an extremely important feature.

a leading impetus

Suggests that the factor provides the initial motivation or force.

a powerful motivator

Highlights the factor's ability to inspire action or change.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a driving factor" in a sentence?

Use "a driving factor" to clearly indicate a significant cause or influence behind an event, decision, or trend. For example: "Technological advancements are "a driving factor" in the evolution of modern education".

What are some alternatives to using "a driving factor" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "key determinant", "major influence", or "primary cause" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the driving factor was" instead of "a driving factor was"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they imply different meanings. "A driving factor" suggests one of possibly several influences, while "the driving factor" implies it was the single, most important influence.

What's the difference between "a driving factor" and "driving force"?

"A driving factor" is one of several potential influences, while a "driving force" typically implies a more dominant, powerful influence that propels something forward.