be driven by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be driven by a" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing motivations or influences behind actions or decisions. Example: "The project will be driven by a commitment to sustainability." Alternative expressions include "motivated by a," "guided by a," and "influenced by a."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It can be driven by a deep need for purposeful work or for simple ego-driven gratification.

Huffington Post

This may be driven by a desire to avoid regulation or legal constraints in some countries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rather, the choices would be driven by a combination of economic and political considerations.

The New York Times - Arts

This may be driven by a desire to lock in record low interest rates.

The Guardian - Business

But at least they seem to be driven by a spirit of moderation and restraint.

The New York Times

The questions will be driven by a competency framework that's required for the job.

The Guardian

If indeed it does progress, the Accord will be driven by a smaller group of countries.

The Guardian

He seems to be driven by a force more powerful than merely winning a championship.

The New York Times - Sports

And this must be driven by a change in our thinking – about technology, ownership and work.

The Guardian - Books

Its stern paddle wheel was to be driven by a Newcomen atmospheric engine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Gator's aluminum unit body can be driven by a 10-horsepower gasoline engine or an 18-horsepower diesel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be driven by a", ensure the sentence clearly identifies the driving force and its impact on the subject. For example, "The company's success is driven by a commitment to customer satisfaction."

Common error

Avoid attributing an outcome to a superficial factor when a deeper cause is at play. For instance, stating that "the project failed because of lack of funding" might be misleading if poor planning was the root cause. Ensure the "driving force" accurately reflects the primary influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be driven by a" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is acted upon by an external force or motivation. Ludwig shows numerous examples where actions or decisions are not self-initiated but rather caused by something else. For example, 'Changes to Australian commercial surrogacy laws could be driven by a convention specifically relating to surrogacy'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be driven by a" serves as a versatile tool to express causation and motivation, particularly in contexts where external forces influence an action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news and scientific domains. While "be driven by a" maintains a neutral register, it’s crucial to accurately identify the true driving force behind the event to avoid misinterpretations. Related phrases like "be motivated by a" or "be influenced by a" offer nuanced alternatives, but understanding the specific connotation helps in choosing the most fitting expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be motivated by

Focuses on the underlying motivation, emphasizing the reason behind the action.

be influenced by

Highlights the external influence on the subject, rather than internal drive.

be propelled by

Emphasizes the forward movement or progress resulting from the driving force.

be guided by

Suggests a sense of direction or leadership from the influencing factor.

be dictated by

Implies a stronger, more controlling influence, leaving less room for independent action.

stem from

Indicates the origin or source of the action or behavior.

arise from

Similar to "stem from", but with a slightly more spontaneous or emergent connotation.

result from

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between the driving force and the outcome.

originate in

Focuses on the place or source where the driving force began.

be rooted in

Suggests a deep-seated or fundamental basis for the action or behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "be driven by a" in a sentence?

Use "be driven by a" to indicate what is causing or motivating something. For instance, "The decision to expand was "be driven by a" surge in demand."

What are some alternatives to "be driven by a"?

Alternatives include "be motivated by", "be influenced by", or "result from", each conveying a similar sense of causation or influence.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be driven by a"?

While "be driven by a" is in the passive voice, the choice depends on emphasis. Active voice might be clearer if you want to highlight the driving force directly. However, passive voice is useful when the object being driven is the focus.

What's the difference between "be driven by a" and "be motivated by a"?

"Be driven by a" often implies an external force or necessity, while "be motivated by a" typically suggests an internal desire or goal. For instance, one might "be driven by a" deadline, but "be motivated by a" passion.