key instigator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key instigator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person or entity that plays a significant role in initiating or provoking an event or action. Example: "The key instigator of the protest was a local activist who rallied the community to voice their concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The film also shows that Lélia is the hitherto-unrecognised figure in Salgado's success: a key instigator of the conception, design, and selling of the work.

The Guardian - Film

He was also such a key instigator for Japanese underground art, and he was central for the psych-y/folk-y bands in Tokyo: Murahatsibu, Brain Police, that sort of thing".

The New Yorker

Brian Flynn, the brother of JP Flynn, who died in the 1988 attack and now organises the Victims of Pan Am 103 Incorporated campaign group in New York, said the UK authorities had "crossed a line" by allowing Koussa to attend the conference and thereby suggest he is a peace negotiator rather than, as they believe, a key instigator of the bombing.

The Guardian

Fenter fingers Barton, a former editor-in-chief of both journals, as the key instigator to the revolt.

Science Magazine

"My view is that Baidu is playing hardball against Psafe in the Brazilian market," says Ronaldo Lemos, an internet law professor who has been following the case closely Lemos was a key instigator of Brazil's Marco Civil, an internet "bill of rights" that passed last April, and serves as director of Creative Commons in Brazil and serves on the Mozilla Foundation board of directors.

TechCrunch

He was a key instigator of the 2013 government shutdown.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They were revealed to have been key instigators of the lane closures, with Kelly saying in an email: "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee", and Wildstein replying: "Got it.

The Guardian

Microbial immunogens originating from the gastrointestinal tract have been strongly associated as the key instigators of the inflammation that drives atherosclerotic development (Koren et al. 2010).

AMB Express

Identification of the key instigators of this process will help in defining future therapies for controlling vascularization.

BMC Genomics

Given that reduced feeding, anorexia and altered intestinal motility often accompany intestinal inflammation, it is surprising that enteroendocrine cells, as key instigators of these changes during homoeostasis, have been neglected as possible orchestrators of these pathologies during disease.

Biochemical Society Transactions

Of the multiple genes encoded by the human herpes virus 8 (HHV8), the viral G protein-coupled receptor (vGPCR) is one of the key instigators of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) pathogenesis [ 1]. vGPCR indeed exhibits pleiotropic actions in the manifestation of diseases such as KS and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), among which are paracrine transformation and endothelial defects [ 2- 7].

Cell Communication and Signaling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key instigator", ensure the context clearly establishes the event or action being instigated. The phrase implies a significant role in initiating something, so the importance of that "something" should be evident.

Common error

Avoid using "key instigator" if the person or entity's involvement was minor or indirect. The phrase suggests a central role in initiating an event, so be certain their contribution warrants such a strong descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key instigator" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies the primary initiator or driver of an action, event, or movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key instigator" is a valid and usable phrase to describe the primary initiator of an event, process, or action. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this. While not extremely common, it is appropriate for diverse formal/informal contexts such as News and Media and Science. When using the phrase, ensure that the role and importance of the instigator are clear, and avoid overstating their influence if their involvement was only minor. Alternatives like "principal initiator" or "chief originator" may be considered based on the desired nuance and context. Note that based on usage examples, other forms like 'instigators' can be found.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principal initiator

This is a formal alternative, replacing "key" and "instigator" with synonyms that maintain the meaning.

primary agent

This emphasizes the active role of someone or something in causing an effect.

main driver

This alternative emphasizes the driving force behind an event, shifting from initiation to momentum.

driving force

Similar to "main driver", this highlights the power and energy behind an action.

chief originator

This focuses on the creation or beginning of something, replacing "instigator" with a term emphasizing origin.

prime mover

This option highlights the entity that sets something in motion, suggesting a more philosophical or abstract role.

central catalyst

This option highlights the role of speeding up a process or reaction, using a chemical metaphor.

pivotal figure

This emphasizes the importance and influence of a person in initiating an event or movement.

leading agitator

This alternative emphasizes the role of stirring up action, especially in a political or social context.

mainspring

This suggests the essential force that powers or motivates something, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "key instigator" in a sentence?

You can use "key instigator" to describe someone or something that plays a central role in starting an event or process. For example, "He was identified as the "key instigator" of the protest."

What's the difference between ""key instigator"" and "main participant"?

"Key instigator" specifically refers to the person or thing that starts something, while "main participant" simply indicates someone involved, without necessarily initiating the action.

What are some alternatives to "key instigator"?

Alternatives include "chief originator", "principal initiator", or "driving force", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "key instigator" a formal phrase?

"Key instigator" is relatively neutral and appropriate for a variety of contexts, including news reporting, formal analysis, and academic writing. However, consider synonyms like "principal initiator" for highly formal situations.