a driving force behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a driving force behind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something (or someone) that is the primary motivation or inspiration behind an event, action, or decision. For example: "Education is a driving force behind economic growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Student applicants are also a driving force behind the change.

The New York Times

Russians have been a driving force behind the statue project.

The Guardian

A driving force behind Mr. Brockman's gift was the red-hot market for corporate loans.

The New York Times

Is the Federal Reserve a driving force behind the post-recession growth in inequality?

The New York Times

Multinational companies have been a driving force behind LEED, Mr. Horst said.

The New York Times

He is a driving force behind the "citizens' wind park", but he has mixed feelings.

The Economist

"She has been a driving force behind Universal's current successes," Mr. Burke said.

The New York Times

Historically, radiology has been a driving force behind the development of high-resolution screens.

The Economist

It is this fear, he says, that is a driving force behind China's worrying external behaviour.

The Economist

He has been a driving force behind the development of this team.

Independent

Expedience was, similarly, a driving force behind the decision to ban plastic carrier bags in 2006.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a driving force behind" when you want to emphasize the significant impact or influence of something on a particular outcome or event. For example, "Technological innovation is a driving force behind the growth of the modern economy."

Common error

Avoid using "a driving force behind" when a simpler phrase like "caused by" or "resulted from" would suffice. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the influence is substantial and multifaceted, not just a direct consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a driving force behind" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the primary cause or motivator behind a specific action, event, or outcome. It highlights the entity that exerts significant influence. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a driving force behind" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to describe a primary influence or motivator. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media, but it also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. When writing, remember that this phrase is most effective when highlighting a significant and multifaceted influence, rather than a simple cause. Alternatives like "catalyst for" or "key factor in" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the primary influence on

This focuses more on the power to affect someone or something.

a major impetus for

This alternative places more emphasis on the initial push or motivation behind something.

the chief reason for

This implies that it is the most important reason, although not necessarily the only one.

a key factor in

This phrase emphasizes the importance of something as one of several contributing elements.

a catalyst for

This alternative suggests something that triggers or accelerates a change or event, rather than simply being a major influence.

instrumental in

Highlights the action of serving as a crucial instrument in achieving the result.

the mainspring of

This suggests an internal mechanism or source of energy that powers something.

the prime mover of

Suggests a fundamental or original source of motion or action.

the foundation of

This alternative means the underlying basis or principle for something.

the root cause of

This alternative points to the fundamental reason or origin of something, often a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "a driving force behind" in a sentence?

Use "a driving force behind" to indicate something that strongly influences or motivates a particular outcome or action. For example: "Innovation is "a driving force behind" economic growth."

What are some alternatives to "a driving force behind"?

You can use alternatives like "a catalyst for", "the primary influence on", or "a key factor in" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a driving force of" instead of "a driving force behind"?

While "a driving force of" might be technically understandable, ""a driving force behind"" is the more idiomatic and commonly accepted phrasing.

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

"A driving force behind" implies a stronger, more significant influence, whereas "a contributing factor to" suggests one of several influences.