be the driving force

USAGE SUMMARY

'be the driving force' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something as the motivating factor or main influence that initiates and drives a process forward. For example, "He was the driving force behind the successful fundraising campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

16th seems to be the driving force behind the talks.

The New Yorker

Unsurprisingly, millennials — particularly educated women — will be the driving force.

The New York Times

And it will be the driving force behind a new MIT initiative focusing on innovation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Individual faculty initiatives will be the driving force behind the development of projects.

Princeton University

Greed, not ethnic hatred or political machinations, appeared to be the driving force behind the destruction.

The New York Times

And at last, her finale: that "love" would be the driving force of my life.

The New York Times

But the sanctions do not seem to be the driving force behind the subsidy cuts.

The New York Times

The idea is for these to use a common panda logo.Tourism will be the driving force.

The Economist

In the proliferation of Lit Crawls, passion, not profit, seems to be the driving force.

The New York Times - Books

The private sector is expected to be the driving force for reconstruction.

The Economist

I hope the luxury of choice will be the driving force when I become a parent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be the driving force", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being influenced or driven. For example, "Innovation will be the driving force behind the company's growth."

Common error

Avoid using "be the driving force" without clearly specifying what it is driving. Vague uses can weaken your writing. For instance, instead of saying 'Technology will be the driving force, ' be specific: 'Technology will be the driving force behind improved efficiency.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be the driving force" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying the subject as the primary influence or motivator. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be the driving force" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the primary influence or cause behind an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms this. As evidenced by numerous examples across diverse sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes, it is versatile and appropriate for various formal and semi-formal contexts. While alternatives such as "be the catalyst" or "be the prime mover" exist, "be the driving force" effectively communicates the central role of a subject in initiating and propelling a particular outcome. Be mindful of clarity and specificity when deploying this phrase to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be the catalyst

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of initiating change or action.

be the prime mover

This option highlights the role of initiating and sustaining a process or movement.

be the main impetus

This phrase stresses the motivational aspect behind an action or decision.

be the key influence

This alternative focuses on the power to affect or shape something.

be the central figure

This highlights the aspect of being a prominent or important person or thing.

be instrumental

This focuses on playing a crucial role in achieving a particular outcome.

be the engine

This alternative evokes the idea of propelling or powering forward.

be the architect

This phrase suggests the act of designing or planning something significant.

be the leader

This alternative focuses on directing or guiding others.

be the foundation

This stresses the aspect of providing a base or support for something.

FAQs

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

Use "be the driving force" to indicate the main cause or influence behind an event or action. For instance, "Technological advancements will "be the driving force" behind the company's expansion".

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

You can use alternatives like "be the catalyst", "be the prime mover", or "be the key influence" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "be the driving force" in formal writing?

Yes, "be the driving force" is appropriate for formal writing as it is widely used in academic, business, and news contexts. However, ensure the context is clear and specific.

What's the difference between "be the driving force" and "be a contributing factor"?

"Be the driving force" implies the primary or main influence, whereas "be a contributing factor" suggests one of several influences. The former indicates a dominant role, while the latter indicates a supporting one.