key driver

USAGE SUMMARY

"key driver" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is important in driving or influencing a certain outcome. For example, "Retail sales are the key driver of economic growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That is the key driver".

The New York Times

A key driver?

The Washington Post

It is the key driver.

The New York Times

The other key driver was the numbers.

The Guardian

A key driver is housing costs.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The key driver is the low cost," says Mr Tanti.Depreciation costsAnother "key driver" is tax.

The Economist

Flow regime is the key driver of the riverine ecology.

Journal of Hydrology

This is the key driver behind the Open Revolution movement.

Harvard University

The key driver has been better health care.

The New York Times

"It's a key driver in their achievements," she said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Acceptability of non-face-to-face healthcare was a key driver to use NHS Direct.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "key driver" to highlight the most significant factor among several contributing elements. This emphasizes its importance and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "key driver" excessively in a single text. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key driver" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the primary influencing factor or cause in a particular situation or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key driver" is a versatile and widely used phrase that serves to identify the most influential factor in a given situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's a grammatically sound and frequently employed term across various domains. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and business contexts underscores its utility in highlighting causal relationships and emphasizing the primary forces behind trends or events. When using "key driver", ensure that you clearly define what it is driving, which is what the most examples of Ludwig are doing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Primary catalyst

This alternative emphasizes the initiating aspect of the driver, highlighting its role in starting a process.

Main impetus

This focuses on the driving force behind an action or event.

Central factor

This highlights the importance of the element as a core component.

Principal cause

This alternative emphasizes the causative aspect of the driver.

Dominant influence

This emphasizes the power and sway the driver has on the outcome.

Major determinant

This term stresses the decisive role of the driver in shaping the result.

Core reason

This alternative focuses on the fundamental explanation behind something.

Driving force

This option uses a more dynamic term to describe the driver's impact.

Critical component

This alternative underscores the driver's essential nature as part of a larger system.

Fundamental element

This focuses on the basic and indispensable nature of the driver.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "key driver" in a sentence?

Use "key driver" to pinpoint the most influential factor contributing to a specific outcome. For example, "Technological innovation is a "key driver" of economic growth".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "key driver"?

You can use alternatives like "primary catalyst", "main impetus", or "central factor" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "key driver" in formal writing?

Yes, "key driver" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business, academic, and scientific contexts, as it clearly and concisely identifies the most important influencing factor.

What distinguishes "key driver" from a regular "driver"?

The term "key driver" emphasizes that the factor being described is not just a driver, but the most important or primary one among potentially many factors influencing a particular result.