chief force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary or most important influence or power in a particular context. Example: "The chief force behind the company's success has been its innovative approach to technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, royal patronage was the chief force behind the watch trade's technical and aesthetic innovation.

The New York Times

It is the chief force behind the current protest in Mexico city.It is easy for unions to demand more money, and for candidates to promise it.

The Economist

For decades, the rise in human numbers has been seen as the chief force threatening rain forests, depleting fisheries, choking the air and polluting the waters.

The New York Times

What was doubly strange was the mention of synagogues in front of the Cossacks, whose predecessors in Imperial Russia were the chief force of the Jewish pogroms.

The New Yorker

(This season we even see the child version of Ben Linus, onetime leader of the island Others and a chief force of manipulative malevolence, struggling with an emotionally severe patriarch).

The New York Times - Arts

"Liu Xiaobo has always worked to advance the peaceful democratic transformation of Chinese society, and to avoid the violence, rebellion and bloodshed of the past," said Zhang Zuhua, a former high-ranking official in the Communist Party Youth League and a chief force behind Charter '08.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

His work was one of the chief forces in the revival of religious art in France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Also in today's Wrap: Syria announces Lebanon pullback, documentary accuses Gilligan of faking Kelly notes, Boeing chief forced out.

The Guardian

A1 Qwest Chief Forced Out Joseph P. Nacchio, the chairman and chief executive of Qwest Communications International Inc., was forced to resign by the company's directors, executives involved in the decision said.

The New York Times

He writes that, despite her "affinity for" W., Condi was a bad N.S.C. chief, forcing consensus rather than letting contentious issues get to the president.

The New York Times

When Mr Sharif was at loggerheads with the president during his previous stint as prime minister in 1993, the army chief forced both men to resign to pave the way for a new election.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chief force" to clearly identify the most important or dominant factor influencing a situation or outcome. Ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what is being influenced.

Common error

Avoid using "chief force" when the factor you're describing is merely significant but not definitively the most influential. Consider using alternatives like "major factor" or "significant influence" if the dominance isn't absolute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief force" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies the primary influence or power behind a particular action, event, or phenomenon. Ludwig AI indicates it is a proper and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chief force" serves as a noun phrase used to denote the primary influence or dominant power within a specific context. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in writing. While not exceedingly common, "chief force" appears across various sources, most notably News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Consider related phrases like "main driving force" or "primary influence" for nuanced expression. When using "chief force", ensure the context clearly supports its claim as the most influential factor. Steer clear of overstating its significance if the influence is less definitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main driving force

Replaces "chief" with "main" and adds "driving" to emphasize the active role of the force.

primary influence

Substitutes "force" with "influence" to highlight the aspect of affecting or shaping something.

principal factor

Replaces "force" with "factor" and "chief" with "principal", denoting a key element contributing to a result.

dominant power

Emphasizes the strength and control exerted by the "chief force".

leading cause

Focuses on the role of the "chief force" as the primary reason for a particular outcome.

major impetus

Highlights the role of the "chief force" in providing the initial motivation or driving energy.

key element

Identifies the "chief force" as a crucial and indispensable component.

central influence

Focuses on the aspect of being pivotal or essential.

prime mover

Suggests the "chief force" initiates or sets things in motion.

most significant factor

Replaces "chief" with "most significant", putting emphasis on importance.

FAQs

How can I use "chief force" in a sentence?

You can use "chief force" to describe the primary influence or power behind an event, trend, or decision. For example, "Technological innovation was the "chief force" driving economic growth."

What are some alternatives to using "chief force"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "main driving force", "primary influence", or "principal factor".

Is "chief force" formal or informal language?

"Chief force" is considered neutral to formal language suitable for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and professional reports.

What is the difference between "chief force" and "major factor"?

"Chief force" implies a more dominant and primary role, whereas "major factor" suggests significant influence but not necessarily the most important one. The choice depends on the degree of influence you want to convey.