be driven by something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be driven by something' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when talking about a motivational force or passion behind a specific course of action. For example, "He was driven by his commitment to helping others in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

You have to be driven by something.

The Guardian

He seems to be driven by something else, which is that he wants to do things for other people".

The New York Times

The PDA agenda seems also to be driven by something called webscale discovery, but such discovery in scholarship is only possible because so many libraries build research collections.

Princeton University

It is now thought to have reached that point an entire year earlier.Recovery may be driven by something that most have almost given up for lost.

The Economist

On Neptune the sun has only a nine-hundredth of the brilliance, so any violence in the atmosphere must be driven by something in the planet.

The Guardian

But Hare is definitely onto something: the sense that a Labour government, above all, should be driven by something higher than a desire to get into bed with big business.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Another view is that mergers are driven by something other than profit.

The Economist

But we were driven by something very good that we also did not understand.

The New York Times

Ryan is driven by something deeper than simply trying to win.

The New York Times - Sports

You do something for your country.' " But Mr. Jabbar said he was driven by something else, as well.

The New York Times

Egypt has experienced many clashes over the years between its Muslim majority and Christian minority, and has always insisted that the conflicts were driven by something — anything — else.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be driven by something" when you want to emphasize that an abstract concept, emotion, or principle is a strong motivator for someone's actions. For clarity, follow it with a specific noun or noun phrase that explains the 'something' in question.

Common error

Avoid using "be driven by something" without specifying what that 'something' is. Vague usage weakens the impact of the phrase. Always provide a clear and concrete motivator.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be driven by something" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject's actions or state are being influenced by an external factor or force. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing motivations and underlying causes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be driven by something" effectively conveys the underlying motivation behind actions or events. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. While commonly used in news and media, its application extends to academic discussions as well. When using "be driven by something", ensure clarity by specifying what the 'something' entails and consider alternatives such as "be motivated by something" or "be inspired by something" depending on the context. Remember, providing context improves clarity and the phrase's overall impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be motivated by something

This alternative emphasizes the internal motivation rather than an external driving force.

be inspired by something

This suggests a more uplifting or creative influence as the driving factor.

be compelled by something

This indicates a sense of obligation or necessity as the primary motivator.

be influenced by something

This highlights the impact of something on one's actions or decisions.

be guided by something

This focuses on the directional aspect of the influence.

be fueled by something

This emphasizes the energy or power source behind the actions.

be underpinned by something

This suggests a foundational or underlying cause.

be rooted in something

This highlights the origin or basis of the motivation.

stem from something

This alternative emphasizes the origin of the driving force.

arise from something

Similar to 'stem from', but with a slightly stronger emphasis on emergence.

FAQs

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

You can use "be driven by something" to indicate that a person or entity is strongly motivated by a particular factor. For example, "The project "was driven by" a desire to improve community health".

What's a good alternative to "be driven by something"?

Alternatives include "be motivated by something", "be inspired by something", or "be compelled by something", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be driven by something" or "be driven by someone"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "Be driven by someone" implies that a person is directing your actions, while "be driven by something" suggests an abstract concept, emotion, or principle motivates you.

What does it mean to "be driven by something"?

To "be driven by something" means that a particular factor acts as a strong incentive or source of motivation, compelling someone to act in a certain way. The "something" in question could be a goal, a passion, or a deeply held belief.