an important driver

USAGE SUMMARY

"an important driver" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when you are referring to something that is helping move something else forward. For example, "Education is an important driver of economic growth".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Federal policy has been an important driver.

The New York Times

This four-way tension is an important driver for business.

Harvard University

Business is an important driver of the economy.

The New York Times

China is becoming an important driver of energy mergers.

The New York Times

The ability to focus is an important driver of excellence.

Harvard Business Review

Previous studies identified the founders' human capital as an important driver of early internationalization.

Research Policy

Water temperature is an important driver of many processes in riverine ecosystems.

Journal of Hydrology

It is now widely accepted that professional collaboration is an important driver of educational improvement.

The Guardian

This transparency is an important driver to increasing public trust in the sector.

The Guardian

Better patient experience is an important driver for innovation with other organisations providing mobile cancer care.

The Guardian

Because China has been such an important driver of global growth, the worries spread beyond Australia.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an important driver", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being driven or influenced. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "an important driver" as a generic placeholder. Replace it with a more specific term that reflects the precise nature of the influence or factor at play. For example, instead of saying "Technology is an important driver", specify "Technology is an important driver of innovation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an important driver" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something as a significant motivating or causal factor. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in diverse contexts, from economic growth to biological evolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

57%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an important driver" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote a significant causal factor. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being driven or influenced. Avoid overuse in vague contexts and replace it with more specific terms when possible. The related phrases, such as "a significant factor" or "a key influence", provide alternative ways to express the same concept. Keep in mind that depending on the context a more fit expression could be picked.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a driving force

This is a more concise way to express the same concept.

a significant factor

Emphasizes the degree of influence, similar to "an important driver".

a key influence

Focuses on the power to affect or shape something.

a leading influence

Suggests a role that guides or directs something.

a major contributor

Highlights the role of adding to a particular outcome or result.

a primary force

Implies a strong, fundamental impetus.

a crucial element

Stresses indispensability and necessity.

a vital component

Emphasizes the essential nature of the element.

a central aspect

Highlights the importance of being at the core of something.

a critical impetus

Focuses on the role of initiating or triggering an action or process.

FAQs

How can I use "an important driver" in a sentence?

You can use "an important driver" to describe a key factor that propels or influences something. For example: "Innovation is "an important driver" of economic growth."

What are some alternatives to "an important driver"?

You can use alternatives such as "a significant factor", "a key influence", or "a major contributor" depending on the specific context.

Is "important driver" grammatically correct without the article "an"?

While "important driver" might be understood in some contexts, using the article "an" is generally more grammatically correct, especially when referring to a specific instance of something being a driver.

What is the difference between ""an important driver"" and "a consequence"?

"An important driver" is a cause or influence that propels something forward, while "a consequence" is the result or effect of something. They represent opposite directions in a cause-and-effect relationship.