a principal driver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a principal driver" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a key factor or element that significantly influences or contributes to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "In our analysis, we found that a principal driver of economic growth is technological innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Moreover, cash payments by employers to undocumented workers are a principal driver of illegal immigration.

The Guardian - Business

Obviously in a capitalist economy, private business is a principal driver of growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Further, the solar UV irradiance is a principal driver of the strong dynamics in the atmosphere and its cycles of chemical species, especially those of nitrogen and oxygen.

Advances in Space Research

A principal driver of the corporate governance community, like any agency institution, is the all too common institutional desire for growth in size and importance.

Harvard University

Moreover, the Pay Machine is a principal driver of increasing income inequality in America that further impedes economic growth and undermines faith in democracy.

Columbia University

At national level, swidden is blamed as a principal driver of deforestation and forest degradation, and as such is a practice to be eliminated.

Land Use Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

These edits included specific indications regarding where boxes should be moved, using solid vs. dotted lines to indicate the strength of a relationship, reversing arrow heads to indicate the principal driver of a relationship and ranking or weighting the relative importance of each position/organization to oncologists.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The balance between initial costs and operational costs (environmental, economic and energetic) is directly reflected in the building energy use which, while requiring a higher initial investment, constitutes the principal driver in reducing the carbon footprint of the dwelling.

Building and Environment

"This means natural selection has done a really good job of purging them away, and we're left with rare variants, a constant flow of them, as the principal driver of the disease".

The New York Times - Health

PayPal, eBay's online payment system, could see substantial growth from international expansion, financial products and mobile payments, Rashtchy said, adding that PayPal will likely be a principal growth driver for the online auctioneer over the next five years.

Forbes

It is painful to read, because it is so manifestly cruel, but it is also instructive about a principal political driver of these programs.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a principal driver", ensure the context clearly indicates what it is driving or influencing. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a principal driver" when the factor is only a minor influence. Overstating its importance can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a principal driver" functions as a noun phrase identifying a significant cause or influencing factor. It's used to pinpoint the primary element responsible for a particular outcome or trend, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a principal driver" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a primary cause or influencing factor. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently found in academic, scientific, and news contexts, making it suitable for formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the effect being driven. Alternatives include "a major driving force" or "a leading cause", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major driving force

Emphasizes the forceful nature of the driver, highlighting its active role.

a key influencing factor

Focuses on the influence exerted, suitable when the impact is more subtle.

a leading cause

Highlights the causal relationship, particularly useful when discussing problems or issues.

a primary impetus

Suggests a stimulating or motivating force, often related to initiating an action or process.

a central component

Emphasizes that the element is an integral part of a larger system or process.

a significant contributor

Highlights the contribution made, often in a quantitative sense.

a crucial element

Stresses the essential nature of the element, implying that it is indispensable.

a prime mover

Suggests the entity initiates activity or change.

the mainspring

Implies the fundamental mechanism or motivating force.

a vital ingredient

Highlights the element's role in creating a successful outcome, similar to a recipe.

FAQs

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

Use "a principal driver" to highlight a key factor influencing an outcome, as in "Technological innovation is "a principal driver" of economic growth."

What phrases are similar to "a principal driver"?

Alternatives include "a major driving force", "a key influencing factor", or "a leading cause" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "a principal driver" in formal writing?

Yes, "a principal driver" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, or business contexts, as demonstrated by its usage in sources like The New York Times and academic journals.

What is the difference between "a principal driver" and "a key driver"?

While similar, "a principal driver" often implies a more significant or fundamental influence than "a key driver". Both highlight important factors, but "principal" suggests a higher degree of influence.