a driving force in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a driving force in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that plays a significant role in motivating or influencing a particular situation or outcome. Example: "Her innovative ideas were a driving force in the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a driving force in her.

The Guardian - Music

That's a driving force in her designs, too.

The New York Times

Nostalgia is a driving force in celebrating old arcade games.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Sharon became a driving force in that campaign.

The New York Times

Geographic isolation is a driving force in evolution.

The New York Times - Science

And envy is a driving force in the book.

The New York Times - Style

Is shame a driving force in his life?

The New Yorker

The fashion house Today Alexander McQueen remains a driving force in the fashion industry.

Independent

He will be remembered as a driving force in the Danish American Community.

The New York Times

He helped take the Company public and remained active and a driving force in the Company.

The New York Times

That out-of-thin-air credit is usually a driving force in the economy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a driving force in", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being influenced or propelled forward. For instance, "Innovation was "a driving force in" the company's growth."

Common error

Avoid using "a driving force in" when the factor is only partially responsible for the outcome. Instead, use qualifiers like "a contributing factor" if the influence is less significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a driving force in" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, indicating a significant influence or cause within a specific context. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to describe entities that actively propel or shape events and developments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "a driving force in" is a prevalent and grammatically sound phrase employed to denote a significant influence or catalyst within a particular domain. Evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is observed across a spectrum of contexts, primarily within News & Media and Science domains. As noted by Ludwig AI, the expression is deemed correct and suitable for describing entities that actively shape or propel events forward. When using this phrase, clarity is paramount to ensure the audience understands the specific influence being exerted. While alternatives exist, "a driving force in" remains a potent means of underscoring the importance and impact of a specific factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prime mover

Conveys the sense of initiation and momentum.

Vital force

Emphasizes the energy and importance of the influence.

Major influence

Highlights impact without specifying the mechanism of action.

Principal catalyst

Highlights the role of initiating change or reaction.

Key factor

Focuses on importance rather than the active influence.

Significant contributor

Emphasizes the contribution aspect more than the force behind it.

Essential element

Underscores necessity more than active influence.

Central figure

Spotlights a person's importance and active role.

Critical component

Focuses on being an integral part of something.

Leading light

Implies guidance and direction in addition to influence.

FAQs

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

Use "a driving force in" to describe something that significantly influences or motivates a particular process or outcome. For example: "Technological advancements are "a driving force in" modernizing industries."

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

You can use alternatives like "key factor", "major influence", or "significant contributor" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "a driving force in" or "a driving force for"?

"A driving force in" is generally used when referring to a particular area or process, while "a driving force for" is less common but can be used to indicate a cause or purpose. "A driving force in innovation" is generally preferred over "a driving force for innovation".

What's the difference between "a driving force in" and "a catalyst for"?

"A driving force in" implies sustained momentum and active influence, while "a catalyst for" suggests initiating or accelerating a process. A catalyst starts something, while a driving force keeps it going.