drive a change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drive a change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of initiating or promoting a transformation or improvement in a particular area or context. Example: "Our goal is to drive a change in the way we approach sustainability within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

As an example, changing male and female tastes and attitudes should drive a change in the market offer.

Genus

"From our own experience, attitude change can drive a change in behaviour.

The Guardian

With its celebrity-backed advertising and cheaper, own-label denim, Gap helped drive a change in shoppers' habits away from brands such as Levi's.

The Guardian - Business

We must not just cling on to the back of the bus, but drive a change in the direction of travel.

The Guardian

"Here was a client that had to drive a change agenda," he added, "and I knew I needed a partner there to work with me in a new way".

The New York Times

Mary Barry, chief execuitve of Our Watch, a group established to drive a change in the culture and attitudes that underpin and create violence against women, said the issue was not a joke.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"The renewables directive has driven a change in Whitehall culture to take advantage of Britain's unparalleled homegrown clean energy resources, with the opportunity to move our economy away from an over-reliance upon imported gas and coal.

The Guardian

It drives a change in thinking.

Forbes

Seen from an evolutionary perspective, WNS may act as a strong selection force that drives a change in hibernation strategy from hibernation in large clusters to a preference for less-populated hibernacula.

Plosone

Using these fundamental concepts, the BioMart project has driven a change in the biological data management paradigm, where individual biological databases are managed by different custom built systems.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Mobile apps drive a rapid change in searches, and a British report says 20 percent of online sales are expected to go to mobile.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drive a change", specify the area or system you aim to transform for better clarity. For example, "drive a change in company culture" is more specific than simply "drive a change".

Common error

Avoid using "drive a change" in contexts where it becomes a generic and meaningless buzzword. Replace it with more specific verbs like "implement", "initiate", or "promote" to convey your intended meaning more precisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drive a change" functions as a verb phrase where "drive" acts as a transitive verb, taking "change" as its direct object. It expresses the action of initiating, leading, or causing a transformation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drive a change" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate initiating or causing a transformation. According to Ludwig, it's acceptable for use in various contexts, with a neutral to professional register. Analysis of example sentences reveals its frequent occurrence in news, science, and formal business domains. To use it effectively, specifying the area of change is recommended. While versatile, overuse as a vague buzzword should be avoided. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources, making it a reliable phrase for expressing transformative action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate a transformation

Focuses on the beginning of the change process, implying a more deliberate and planned action.

foster innovation

Emphasizes nurturing and supporting new ideas and methods, specifically related to innovative changes.

propel advancement

Highlights the forward movement and progress aspect of the change, suggesting a strong driving force.

catalyze progress

Focuses on accelerating the rate of change and development, acting as a catalyst for progress.

stimulate development

Emphasizes encouraging growth and progress, particularly in a specific area or sector.

spark revolution

Implies a more radical and fundamental shift, suggesting a dramatic change in the existing order.

undergo a transition

Shifts the focus to the process of changing, rather than the act of causing change.

shape evolution

Highlights the long-term development and gradual transformation aspect of the change.

engineer a turnaround

Focuses on reversing a negative trend or situation, implying a deliberate and strategic effort.

effectuate a shift

Highlights the accomplishment of change and a notable alteration in course or direction.

FAQs

How can I use "drive a change" in a sentence?

You can use "drive a change" to describe efforts to cause transformation, for example: "The new CEO aims to "drive a change" in the company's innovation strategy."

What are some alternatives to "drive a change"?

Alternatives include phrases like "initiate a transformation", "foster innovation", or "propel advancement", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "drive a change" formal or informal?

"Drive a change" is generally suitable for professional and formal contexts, though it can also be used in news and media. The appropriateness will depend on the overall tone and style of the written piece.

What's the difference between "drive a change" and "manage a change"?

"Drive a change" implies actively initiating and leading the transformation. "Manage a change" suggests overseeing and guiding an existing change process, rather than initiating it.