a main driver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main driver" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary factor or influence that contributes to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "In our analysis, we found that customer satisfaction is a main driver of repeat business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Its mass transit is a main driver of value creation".

The New York Times

Uses of proceeds vary but a main driver is simply its low cost.

The New York Times

Glyphosate, the main ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup herbicide, was once a main driver of revenue.

The New York Times

These fears were a main driver behind the panicked selling that pummeled stock prices on Friday.

The New York Times

The syrupy stuff is a main driver of obesity and, unlike a hamburger, has no nutritional value.

The Economist

Demand growth in China, a main driver of oil prices in recent years, has slowed in recent months.

The New York Times

SFR was a main driver behind Vivendi's 20percentt rise in operating profits for the first half of the year.

The New York Times

In Europe, Mr. Mulligan said, file sharing appears to be a main driver of growth in the broadband market.

The New York Times

Others believe the rise in ever-more-sophisticated financial flows into commodity markets were a main driver behind higher prices since 2001.

The New York Times

Stabilizing exchange rates is intended to curb speculation, which the Japanese government described as a main driver of recent market activity.

The New York Times

Officials point to the reconstruction of the bomb-shattered Frauenkirche, or Cathedral of Our Lady, finished in 2005, as a main driver of the tourism boom.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a main driver", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being driven or influenced. For instance, specify "a main driver of economic growth" rather than just "a main driver".

Common error

Avoid using "a main driver" when the factor is only moderately influential. Overstating the significance can weaken your argument. Instead, consider qualifiers like "a contributing factor" or "a notable influence" for a more balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main driver" functions as a noun phrase identifying the primary factor or cause that propels a specific outcome or trend. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a main driver" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote a key influencing factor or primary cause. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being influenced and avoid overstating the factor's importance to maintain accuracy and credibility in your writing. Alternatives like "a key factor" or "a primary reason" can be used for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary impetus

Replaces "driver" with "impetus", suggesting a force that initiates action, and "main" with "primary" maintaining a very high degree of similarity.

a key influencing factor

Substitutes "driver" with "influencing factor", highlighting the impact on a situation, while keeping the high importance.

a central contributing element

Emphasizes the role of contributing something essential, shifting focus slightly from the driving aspect.

a significant determinant

Highlights the decisive nature of the factor, suggesting it strongly influences the outcome.

a prime mover

Implies a fundamental force behind an event or process, offering a more metaphorical alternative.

a leading cause

Focuses directly on causation, useful when the context involves identifying reasons for something.

a principal reason

Similar to "leading cause", but slightly less forceful, suitable for less emphatic contexts.

a major catalyst

Suggests that the factor accelerates a process, adding a sense of rapid change.

a critical success factor

Frames the factor as essential for achieving a positive result, common in business contexts.

the cornerstone

Implies that this factor is the most fundamental and crucial one which the entire situation depends on.

FAQs

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

Use "a main driver" to identify a primary cause or influence behind a specific outcome. For example, "Technological innovation is "a main driver" of economic progress".

What are some alternatives to using "a main driver"?

You can use alternatives like "a key factor", "a primary reason", or "a major influence" depending on the context.

Is it more accurate to say "a main driver" or "the main driver"?

The choice depends on whether you are identifying one of several significant factors ("a main driver") or the single most important factor ("the main driver"). Ensure your choice accurately reflects the context.

What is the difference between "a main driver" and "a contributing factor"?

"A main driver" implies a stronger, more direct influence than "a contributing factor". Use "a main driver" when the factor has a substantial impact, and "a contributing factor" when its influence is less dominant.