driving force behind change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "driving force behind change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a key factor or influence that propels or motivates change in a particular context. Example: "The innovative technology has become the driving force behind change in the industry, leading to new standards and practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Separating the influence of the mass transfer coefficient and specific area,a shows that the latter is the dominant driving force behind changes in kLa that occur at different operating conditions.

Chemical Engineering Science

This is a descriptive study, in which we assumed a 'hierarchy of risks' with urbanisation being an overarching driving force behind changes in exposures to social and environmental determinants of health risks and health-related behaviours.

Global Health Action

According to theory, a driving force behind evolutionary change is genetic mutation, random changes in genetic codes that alter biological structures and processes, some, but very few, to the selective benefit of the species.

Huffington Post

Student applicants are also a driving force behind the change.

The New York Times

The federal government is the driving force behind the change.

The New York Times

Social media has been the driving force behind this change of audience and community.

The Guardian

That was the driving force behind this change in our culture.

The Guardian - Sport

Too often Georgian NGOs are "passive consumers of democracy development aid instead of the driving force behind democratic change".

The Economist

What is new is the driving force behind the change: schools are becoming greener not just because it is seen as socially important, but also because it is seen as a potential competitive advantage for companies.

The Economist

When I look at the majority of ongoing humanitarian operations, I don't see the current leadership being the driving force behind meaningful change, I see quite the opposite.

The Guardian

The average American farm has gone from 139 acres in 1910 to 435 acres today, and the driving force behind this change is simple: economics and a yearning for a better life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "driving force behind change", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being changed and the specific nature of the force driving it. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "driving force behind change" without specifying the exact source and nature of the driving force. Vague attributions weaken the statement and leave room for misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driving force behind change" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a primary cause or influence responsible for instigating change. It highlights the active element that propels a transformation. Ludwig confirms the appropriateness of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "driving force behind change" is a grammatically sound and widely applicable expression used to denote a principal cause or influence leading to transformation. Ludwig indicates its correctness and usability. Although examples were not found in this specific search, the phrase is commonly used across a range of registers, from academic and scientific writing to news and business contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity in attributing the "driving force" are crucial. Alternatives such as "catalyst for change" or "prime mover of change" may be considered to provide nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catalyst for change

Replaces the more descriptive "driving force" with a single-word metaphor, implying a more sudden or accelerated change.

prime mover of change

Uses more formal language, emphasizing the initiator role in causing change.

major impetus for change

Substitutes "driving force" with "impetus", focusing on the energy or motivation behind the change.

key factor in transformation

Replaces "change" with "transformation", suggesting a more profound or fundamental shift.

mainspring of change

Employs a more figurative term, "mainspring", to represent the essential mechanism or source of change.

root cause of the shift

Focuses on identifying the fundamental reason behind the change, rather than the active agent.

underlying cause of change

Highlights the more fundamental and less immediately visible causes.

primary agent of change

Emphasizes the active role of an entity in instigating and implementing change.

instrumental in the alteration

Highlights the important contribution to the alteration process.

significant influence on the evolution

Replaces "change" with "evolution", framing the change as a gradual and organic development.

FAQs

How to use "driving force behind change" in a sentence?

Use "driving force behind change" to emphasize a key factor initiating transformation. For example, "Technological innovation is the driving force behind change in the healthcare industry."

What can I say instead of "driving force behind change"?

You can use alternatives like "catalyst for change", "prime mover of change", or "key factor in transformation" depending on the context.

Is "driving force behind change" formal or informal?

"Driving force behind change" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in news, business, and academic writing.

What is the difference between "driving force behind change" and "reason for change"?

"Driving force behind change" implies active propulsion and influence, whereas "reason for change" simply indicates a cause or rationale. The former suggests agency, while the latter does not.