a leading driver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a leading driver" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary factor or influence that propels or motivates a particular outcome or trend. Example: "Innovation has become a leading driver of growth in the technology sector."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Immigration of all types is a leading driver of the United States' rapid population growth.

The New York Times

Palm oil production is a leading driver of deforestation – the cause of 20% of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Guardian

The cuts come as industrial production, a leading driver of the economy, slows and banks push more of their lenders to overhaul their businesses.

The New York Times

ADM is one of the world's leading soy traders and a top soy exporter in Latin America, where expanding production is a leading driver of deforestation across the Amazon and the Gran Chaco forest.

The Guardian

But while industry leaders spoke of the airplane market in more bullish terms than in the last two years, analysts cautioned that broader economic growth — a leading driver of passenger and cargo demand — remained weak in many important regions, particularly Western Europe.

The New York Times

Ben Minteer, an ethicist at Arizona State University's school of life sciences and the lead author of the article, told NPR that he doesn't think scientific collecting is a leading driver of extinction – there would have to be millions of researchers bagging birds every day to match the job that climate change, habitat destruction and over-exploitation have done on at-risk populations.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

As indicated in the study, in a two-vehicle rear-end collision the leading driver is more likely to be injured, whereas in a three-vehicle collision, the driver in the middle is more likely to be injured.

Journal of Modern Transportation

In fact, for a surprising number, Stubleupon is the leading driver of traffic and Pinterest is obviously quickly gaining ground, especially for evergreen content.

TechCrunch

Smoking is the second leading driver of disease, followed by a high body mass index (a measure of obesity), high blood pressure, high blood-sugar levels and a lack of exercise.The question is what might be done.

The Economist

But in a nation where government spending is the leading driver of growth, policy makers seem to think there is no other option.

The New York Times

This park can become a leading economic driver for its communities", said Raymond Lumbuenamo, country director of WWF-Congo DRC.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a leading driver", ensure that the context clearly identifies what it is driving. For example, specify whether it is driving economic growth, climate change, or some other specific outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a leading driver" without a clear and specific context. Ambiguous use can weaken your argument and leave the reader unsure of what exactly is being influenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leading driver" primarily functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant causal agent or influence. Ludwig AI shows its common use in attributing importance to a particular factor in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a leading driver" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a primary factor influencing an outcome, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news, science, and formal business contexts to highlight significant causes. To ensure clarity, always specify what the driver is leading or influencing. While alternatives like "a driving force" or "a major factor" exist, the choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Remember to avoid vague applications and ensure a clear contextual link to maintain precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a driving force

Implies a strong impetus or energy behind something.

a primary cause

Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing the origin of the effect.

a major factor

Highlights the significant contribution of the element in a particular situation or outcome.

a dominant factor

Suggests that the element is the most powerful or influential.

a key influence

Emphasizes the power to affect someone or something.

a principal reason

Points to the main justification or explanation for something.

a main contributor

Focuses on the contribution made by something to a particular result.

a significant catalyst

Highlights the role of something that triggers or accelerates a process.

a prime mover

Suggests something that initiates action or change.

an important impetus

Stresses the role of something that encourages activity or progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a leading driver" in a sentence?

Use "a leading driver" to identify a primary factor that causes or influences a particular outcome. For example, "Technological innovation is "a leading driver" of economic growth."

What are some alternatives to "a leading driver"?

You can use alternatives like "a primary cause", "a major factor", or "a driving force" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "leading driver" or "key driver"?

Both "leading driver" and "key driver" are acceptable, but "leading driver" suggests a higher degree of influence or importance. Choose the one that best reflects the strength of the factor you are describing.

What's the difference between "a leading driver" and "a major contributor"?

"A leading driver" emphasizes the causative role of a factor, while "a major contributor" highlights the contribution made to a particular result. The best choice depends on whether you want to stress the cause or the contribution.