locomotive of growth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "locomotive of growth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a driving force or catalyst that propels economic or personal development forward. Example: "The technology sector has become the locomotive of growth for the entire economy, driving innovation and job creation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But despite the shifting membership and exotic locations the first international economic summit of the modern age, the Rambouillet summit in 1975, had a strikingly familiar task to the one this week on Seoul – how to get the surplus nations of the world to act as "locomotives" of growth, pulling the others out of the doldrums.

Independent

That, in turn, would encourage other countries to shift their wealth generation to the rising global middle class, thereby creating other locomotives of growth over time.

Huffington Post

Surely nothing could now derail the great locomotive of economic growth?Indeed something could: a lack of brainpower.

The Economist

The economic news is, potentially, the more worrying.So far, the American economy perhaps more than ever the locomotive of global growth—has shrugged off the plunge in the equity markets.

The Economist

"Asean will become another locomotive of Asian growth," says IHS Global Insight's Mr Biswas.

BBC

What's fascinating is that economists, backed by the Federal Reserve, continue to predict a downturn in the economy even as the locomotive of world growth continues to chug along without any sign of slowing down.

Forbes

However, oil production has been declining continuously since 1996, and the government has been trying to reduce its dependence on the oil sector, by promoting industrial diversification and making the industrial sector the locomotive of economic growth.

Journal of Economic Structures

The Syrian government has worked to make the industrial sector the locomotive of economic growth in the country by encouraging local and foreign investments in the industrial activities, as well as establishing the Industrial Bank of Syria in order to develop the industrial sector by providing credit facilities and loans to finance the industrial activities.

Journal of Economic Structures

The cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has weighed heavily on the U.S. economy, holding back what used to be the world's most powerful locomotive for growth.

The New York Times

Two of the three main global locomotives for growth are now suffering.

The New York Times

Earlier this week, Mr. O'Neill appeared to criticize Europe and Japan for not doing enough to live up to their roles as "locomotives" of world growth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "locomotive of growth", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being propelled forward. Be specific about the area or sector experiencing growth.

Common error

Avoid using "locomotive of growth" repeatedly in the same text. Vary your language with synonyms like "engine of progress" or "driver of expansion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "locomotive of growth" functions as a metaphorical noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive to describe a sector, industry, or factor that is driving economic or general development. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "locomotive of growth" is a valid and usable metaphor that describes something driving economic or general development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys the idea of a driving force pulling other elements along. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes what is being propelled forward and avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms like "engine of progress" or "driver of expansion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engine of progress

Replaces "locomotive" with "engine", offering a more generic metaphor for a driving force.

driver of expansion

Substitutes "locomotive" with "driver" and "growth" with "expansion", emphasizing the act of increasing in size or scale.

catalyst for development

Uses "catalyst" to highlight the role of something that accelerates development without being consumed itself.

fuel for progress

Employs the metaphor of "fuel" to indicate something that provides energy and sustains progress.

impetus behind advancement

Replaces "locomotive" with "impetus", focusing on the force that initiates advancement.

stimulus for economic growth

Uses "stimulus" to suggest something that encourages or accelerates economic growth.

backbone of prosperity

Metaphorically casts as the main structural element supporting prosperity.

powerhouse of development

Uses "powerhouse" to highlight a strong and influential source of development.

lynchpin of expansion

Replaces "locomotive" by focusing on the essential element that holds expansion together.

key factor in economic growth

Offers a less metaphorical, more direct way of expressing the importance of a factor in economic growth.

FAQs

What does "locomotive of growth" mean?

The phrase "locomotive of growth" is a metaphor for something that drives or powers economic or general development. It suggests a force that pulls others along, similar to how a locomotive pulls train cars.

How can I use "locomotive of growth" in a sentence?

You can use "locomotive of growth" to describe an industry, a policy, or a factor that is significantly contributing to economic expansion. For example: "The technology sector has become the "locomotive of growth" for the entire economy."

What can I say instead of "locomotive of growth"?

You can use alternatives like "engine of progress", "driver of expansion", or "catalyst for development" depending on the specific context.

Is "locomotive of growth" a common phrase?

While not extremely common, "locomotive of growth" is a recognizable and acceptable phrase, particularly in economic and business contexts. Other phrases with a similar meaning are far more common.