as the driving force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the driving force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is the main source of motivation or influence behind an action or process. Example: "Innovation has emerged as the driving force behind the company's success in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, Rockefeller is widely viewed as the driving force.

The New York Times - Magazine

They see power rather than principle as the driving force of international affairs.

The Economist

Mr. Jobs has long been seen as the driving force behind innovation at the company.

The New York Times

Yet he emerged as the driving force for the administration's unilateralist policies.

The New York Times

We identified the progressive collapse of commercial PSB supply as the driving force of change.

The Guardian

It's a great piece that has solo percussion as the driving force throughout.

The Guardian - Music

In recent seasons, extreme shoes have replaced bags as the driving force of fashion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He had been seen as the driving force behind the deal.

The Guardian - Business

Despite his role as the driving force behind the center, Mr. Weill said its success would not depend on him.

The New York Times - Arts

The bad news, though, for sceptics is that EU governments have taken over as the driving force behind European integration.

The Economist

Many Iranians recall Mr. Karbaschi as the driving force behind modernizing efforts in Tehran during his 10 years as mayor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the driving force" when you want to emphasize the primary source of motivation or influence behind a particular action, event, or trend. It effectively conveys the idea that something is essential for progress or change.

Common error

Avoid using "as the driving force" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by employing synonyms like "the mainspring", "the primary impetus", or "the key motivator" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the driving force" functions as a predicate nominative or appositive, identifying the subject as the primary source of motivation or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

53%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Huffington Post

3%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as the driving force" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, signifying the primary source of motivation or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts such as News & Media and Scientific domains. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, remember to highlight the pivotal role of a specific element, and avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "the primary impetus" or "the key motivator".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the primary impetus

Emphasizes the initial push or motivation behind something.

the mainspring

Implies a vital or fundamental source of energy or motivation.

the key motivator

Focuses specifically on what motivates an action or behavior.

the principal influence

Highlights the dominant factor affecting an outcome.

the prime mover

Suggests being the original and most important source of action.

the central catalyst

Emphasizes the role of initiating or accelerating a process.

the engine behind

Implies that something is powering or propelling an activity or process.

the root cause

Focuses on the fundamental reason or origin of a problem or situation.

the predominant factor

Highlights the most important element contributing to a result.

the leading influence

Suggests a guiding or directing power.

FAQs

How can I use "as the driving force" in a sentence?

Use "as the driving force" to indicate the primary source of motivation or influence behind something. For instance, "Innovation is seen as the driving force behind the company's success."

What are some alternatives to "as the driving force"?

You can use alternatives like "the primary impetus", "the mainspring", or "the key motivator" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "driving force behind" instead of "as the driving force"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different usages. "As the driving force" is used to identify something as the primary cause, while "driving force behind" is used to describe something that motivates or propels something else.

What is the difference between "influence" and "as the driving force"?

"Influence" refers to the capacity to have an effect on someone or something, while "as the driving force" specifically indicates the main source of power or motivation. While influence may be subtle, the driving force is the primary factor.