a primary force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a main or significant influence or power in a particular context, such as in discussions about social movements, scientific principles, or economic factors. Example: "In the realm of environmental policy, public opinion has become a primary force driving legislative change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Politics

Ecology

History

Environmentalism

Arts

Economic Growth

Political life

Acoustics

Education

Terrorism

Gentrification

Finance

Democracy

Transportation

Evolution

Molecular Biology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

In Europe religion was a primary force in politics for many centuries.

The Guardian

In numerous systems, invasive species are a primary force altering the structure and function of communities.

Treatise on Estuarine and Coastal Science

One of the interns, Juan Perez, was a primary force behind the Julia de Burgos Pocket Park.

The New York Times

Not long afterward, having decided that the Whig Party was weak and outmoded, Seward became a primary force in the birth of the Republican Party.

The New Yorker

The Escoceses, organized about 1806 and a primary force in overthrowing the monarchy of Agustín de Iturbide in 1823, favoured a conservative, centralist form of government.

Britannica

Long an opponent of compromise in the face of efforts to tame wild lands, he was a primary force during the 1960's in preventing the construction of two major government dams in the Grand Canyon.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

In unswollen nuclei, chromatin is a primary force-bearing element, whereas swollen nuclei are an order of magnitude softer, with the lamina sustaining much of the load.

Biophysical Journal

The actomyosin cytoskeleton is a primary force-generating mechanism in morphogenesis, thus a robust spatial control of cytoskeletal positioning is essential.

eLife

A cost function, proportional to the total kinetic energy in the cylindrical shell is minimized by a number of secondary force inputs given an arbitrary primary force distribution.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Lamar Smith, a congressman from Texas, was the primary force behind a set of sweeping reforms to both legal and illegal immigration.

The New Yorker

Dziga Vertov, a pioneering filmmaker and primary force behind the documentary Kino-Eye collective, was a big part of this new world's art, where the camera lens and film create new ways of seeing.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a primary force", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the force is acting upon. Provide specific examples to illustrate its impact or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "a primary force" when the influence is only partial or contributory. Be precise in assessing the degree of impact, and consider using terms like "a contributing factor" if the force is not dominant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary force" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant cause, influence, or driver within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a primary force" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a main or significant influence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, with examples spanning across news, science, encyclopedias, and other domains. While it appears most frequently in neutral and formal contexts, it's crucial to ensure the context accurately reflects the dominance of the described force. Alternative expressions include "a major influence" and "a key factor", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major influence

Replaces "force" with "influence", highlighting the impact rather than direct power.

a key factor

Substitutes "force" with "factor", emphasizing the role as a contributing element.

a central element

Emphasizes the core or essential nature of the influence.

a driving influence

Highlights the active and propelling nature of the influence.

a significant power

Replaces "force" with "power", stressing the capacity to effect change.

a leading driver

Uses "driver" to denote something that propels or leads a process.

a principal factor

Synonymous, but gives greater weight to the “factor” aspect.

a dominant factor

Emphasizes the prevailing influence over other factors.

an important influence

Underscores the importance of the influence.

a crucial component

Highlights the essential part that a 'force' represents in any process.

FAQs

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

Use "a primary force" to describe something that is a main driver or influence. For example, "Economic inequality is "a primary force" behind social unrest."

What's a good alternative to "a primary force"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a major influence", "a key factor", or "a central element".

Is it better to say "primary force" or "main force"?

"Primary force" and "main force" are similar, but "primary force" often implies a more fundamental or foundational influence. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "a primary force" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "a primary force" can describe abstract concepts. For example, "Cultural norms can be "a primary force" shaping individual behavior."