a primary driver

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But that wasn't a primary driver".

The New York Times

He added that the "Economy Plus upsell was, once again, a primary driver of this growth".

The New York Times

Of course, the polls are a primary driver behind this latest political manoeuvre, and LGBT journalists and activists were quick to note this.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this ignores the fact the government is the largest purchaser of health care and that Medicare policies are a primary driver of health care inflation.

The New York Times

"A primary driver of this mass incarceration phenomenon is our drug laws – our mandatory minimum sentencing around drug laws," Obama said.

The Guardian

He said Goldman was seen as a "primary driver of the financial meltdown" and shareholders should know more about its lobbying against financial services reform.

The New York Times

Ms. Cohen noted that new media is "not a primary driver" of Disney shares, which have climbed 57 percent over the last year, to about $51.90.

The New York Times

The city has been particularly hard hit by the shrinking of the financial services industry, which, much like in Midtown Manhattan, had been a primary driver of growth.

The New York Times

On Bougainville, the Australian government's faith in business as a primary driver for security and development has seen a considerable investment in the political infrastructure needed to revive a range of industries.

The Guardian - Opinion

The appetite in those markets for Japanese exports has been a primary driver of economic growth here over the last several quarters, but in the third quarter, imports exceeded exports, a rare occurrence in Japan.

The New York Times

Although the paper relies heavily on the idea of the technosphere as a primary driver of both the extinction crisis and current geological changes, not every researcher in the study agreed with the idea.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a primary driver", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of what it influences. For example, "Technology is "a primary driver" of economic growth, boosting productivity and innovation."

Common error

Avoid using "a primary driver" when the factor is merely contributory. If the element is not a leading or major influence, opt for weaker terms such as "a contributing factor" or "an influence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary driver" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the principal cause or influencing factor of a particular result or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI explained, it's used to highlight the most important element driving a process or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary driver" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote the main cause or influence behind a particular event or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and can be effectively used in various contexts. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science, indicating its relevance across diverse fields. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly articulate what it is influencing to maximize clarity. Consider using alternatives such as "a major factor" or "a key influence" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major factor

Focuses on the significance of the element as a contributor, rather than specifically its driving force.

a key influence

Highlights the power to affect something, emphasizing influence over direct causation.

a leading cause

Emphasizes the role as the foremost reason for a particular outcome.

a significant contributor

Underscores the contribution made, without necessarily being the foremost reason.

a crucial element

Focuses on the importance of the component in achieving a result.

a central component

Highlights the importance of the ingredient at the core of a situation or process.

a main impetus

Refers to the initial force or motivation behind something.

a principal reason

Focuses on the rationale or justification behind an event or action.

the biggest determinant

Emphasizes the element that most strongly dictates the outcome.

a fundamental aspect

Highlights an essential feature that something relies on.

FAQs

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

Use "a primary driver" to indicate the main cause or influence behind a particular phenomenon. For example, "Innovation is a primary driver of progress".

What are some alternatives to saying "a primary driver"?

You can use alternatives like "a major factor", "a key influence", or "a leading cause" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the primary driver is" or "a primary driver is"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "The primary driver is" implies there's only one main cause, whereas "a primary driver is" suggests one of several significant factors.

What is the difference between "a primary driver" and "a secondary driver"?

"A primary driver" is the main factor, while "a secondary driver" is a less significant, though still important, factor influencing an outcome.