a key driving force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key driving force" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to something that is a major motivator or influence on a situation, activity, or process. For example, "Teamwork was a key driving force in the success of our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

They are a key driving force in the global economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Serdyukov's father-in-law was arguably a key driving force in his career.

The New Yorker

But commercial concerns, these volunteers acknowledge, were also a key driving force.

Independent

Military needs for instant blood for use on the battlefield have been a key driving force too.

Independent

One of those travelling, Mohsin Jalalpur, the head of Iran's Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines, said Mr Rouhani was a key driving force behind that.

Independent

Several prominent luxury brands have reported strong sales across Asia, or see Asian tourist customers as a key driving force for their businesses.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

There's a growing body of research to suggest that distributing protein intake evenly throughout the day does a better job at increasing muscle protein synthesis a key driving force behind muscle growth – compared to the same amount of protein squeezed into a smaller number of larger meals.

Vice

The etiology ePE appears to involve a distinct early placental lesion that is the key driving force for the development of PE symptoms, with little or no contribution by secondary inflammatory incidents.

Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics

Although he was the youngest member of the group, Barrett quickly became its leader and key driving force.

The Guardian - Music

The supersaturation of nonequilibrium growth medium is the key driving force for ZnO nanorods formation.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In Latin America familism is the key driving force, aspatial and transcending location.

Cities

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key driving force", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of what it is driving or influencing. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a key driving force" when the factor is only contributing marginally. Ensure it genuinely plays a significant role; otherwise, it weakens your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key driving force" functions as a noun phrase identifying something significant that propels or influences a particular outcome or process. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key driving force" is a valid and commonly used phrase to denote a significant influence or motivator. Ludwig AI confirms this. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its grammatical function is that of a noun phrase. To use it effectively, ensure you clearly articulate what it is influencing and avoid overstating its importance. Consider alternatives like ""a major catalyst"" or ""a primary impetus"" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central factor

This phrase highlights the importance of something as one of the main elements contributing to a result.

a crucial element

This phrase stresses the necessity and importance of something in achieving a desired outcome.

a significant influence

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

an essential component

This alternative highlights something indispensable for a system or process to function properly.

a primary impetus

This option emphasizes the initial motivation or push behind an action or development.

a leading cause

This option directly points to something that produces an effect or result.

a critical determinant

This suggests something decisive in deciding an outcome or event.

a major catalyst

This alternative uses a different metaphor, focusing on the idea of something that initiates or accelerates a change or process.

a fundamental aspect

This alternative underscores the basic and essential nature of something.

the mainspring

This uses a mechanical metaphor to describe the primary force or motivation.

FAQs

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

Use "a key driving force" to highlight the main influence behind an action or event. For example, "Innovation was "a key driving force" behind the company's success."

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

Alternatives include "a major catalyst", "a primary impetus", or "a central factor", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a key driving force behind"?

While not strictly redundant, it's often more concise to simply state "a key driving force" followed by what it influences. The "behind" is often implied.

When is it appropriate to use "a key driving force" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of a particular factor in causing or influencing a specific outcome or situation. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts.