is the only driver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is the only driver" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is the sole factor or person responsible for a particular outcome or situation. Example: "In this project, John is the only driver behind the innovative ideas that have emerged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

This expression was established when transpiration is the only driver of the vineyard water balance.

Agricultural Water Management

He is the only driver with a chance to catch Johnson.

The New York Times - Sports

But it would be a mistake to think remuneration is the only driver behind player migration.

The Guardian - Sport

He is the only driver in mathematical contention to catch Johnson.

The New York Times

I wouldn't say [the sport/payTV battle] is the only driver.

The Guardian

He is the only driver to have scored points in every race this year, and more than half the time he finished first, second or third.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Drivers Will you be the only driver?

The Guardian - Money

Kenseth was the only driver with a shot to catch Hamlin in the final moments.

The New York Times - Sports

He was the only driver to top 191 miles per hour during qualifying.

The New York Times - Sports

China will not be the only driver of Asia's future luxury hotel growth.

The New York Times - Travel

This is surely not what you would expect if testosterone were the only driver of violence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is the only driver", ensure that you can substantiate the claim that there are no other significant contributing factors. Overstating its exclusivity can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is the only driver" when multiple factors contribute to an outcome, as it can oversimplify the situation and diminish the importance of other influences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is the only driver" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying the subject as the sole cause or motivating factor. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is used to emphasize exclusivity and singular influence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is the only driver" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to underscore the exclusivity of a causal factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears predominantly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While its usage is widespread, it's crucial to ensure that the claim of singularity is accurate to avoid oversimplification. Alternatives like "is the sole cause" or "is the primary factor" may be more appropriate when other influences are present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is the sole cause

Emphasizes that something is the single reason for a particular outcome.

is the exclusive reason

Stresses that something is the only reason behind an event or situation.

is the only impetus

It states that nothing else could have produced the result.

is the primary factor

Highlights something as the main, but not necessarily exclusive, factor.

is the key influence

Focuses on the significant impact something has, suggesting importance.

is uniquely responsible

Highlights that something/someone has sole accountability for an outcome.

is the single determinant

Indicates that something is the only thing that decides an outcome.

is the singular force

Highlights that only one force is responsible for the effects.

is the main impetus

Focuses on what propels or initiates a particular action or result.

is the prime mover

Emphasizes the instigating power of something in bringing about a result.

FAQs

How can I use "is the only driver" in a sentence?

Use "is the only driver" to emphasize that a particular factor is solely responsible for an outcome. For example, "In this market, innovation "is the only driver" of competitive advantage".

What are some alternatives to "is the only driver"?

You can use alternatives like "is the sole cause", "is the primary factor", or "is the key influence" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is a main driver" instead of "is the only driver"?

Yes, "is a main driver" is correct if you want to indicate that something is a significant, but not exclusive, factor. "Is the only driver" implies exclusivity, while "is a main driver" acknowledges other contributing factors.

What's the difference between "is the only driver" and "is a major driver"?

"Is the only driver" suggests that nothing else is influencing the outcome, whereas "is a major driver" means it's a significant factor among potentially others.