main driver behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main driver behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the primary factor or reason that motivates or causes something to happen. Example: "The main driver behind the company's success has been its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The main driver behind the separatist surge is money.

The Economist

This has been the main driver behind the family separations.

The Washington Post

The main driver behind rising share prices is demand.

The Guardian - Business

The main driver behind the Finnish and Swedish repeals was a (selfish) sense of fairness.

Columbia University

Demand for top-end watches was the main driver behind last year's growth, he noted.

The New York Times

Fentanyl-heroin combinations are a main driver behind the escalating death rates.

The Washington Post

These fears were a main driver behind the panicked selling that pummeled stock prices on Friday.

The New York Times

This is convenient but not the main driver behind the change.

The Guardian

Only 12% of male founders thought this was the main driver behind male and pale dominance.

The Guardian

Spatial variability in environmental conditions has been attributed as the main driver behind marine biodiversity in structurally complex environments.

Progress in Oceanography

The prevalence of Islamist groups in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria and Syria is the main driver behind these trends.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "main driver behind", ensure that you clearly identify what is being driven or influenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "the main driver behind the company's growth" rather than just "the main driver".

Common error

Avoid using "main driver behind" as a blanket explanation for complex phenomena. Instead, acknowledge contributing factors and provide nuanced analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main driver behind" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or adjectival modifier, identifying the most important factor causing or influencing a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct to use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "main driver behind" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to identify the primary cause or influence behind a particular event or trend. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, science, and academic contexts, conveying a sense of causation and explanation. While alternatives like "principal cause of" or "key factor in" exist, "main driver behind" offers a clear and widely accepted way to express the most significant influence at play. Be mindful of overusing it in simplistic explanations and strive for nuanced analysis when addressing complex topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driving force behind

Uses 'driving force' which carries a stronger connotation of energy and active power.

principal cause of

Replaces 'driver' with 'cause' and changes 'behind' to 'of', focusing on direct causation.

primary reason for

Substitutes 'driver' with 'reason', emphasizing the justification or motive.

key factor in

Uses 'factor' instead of 'driver', highlighting a significant element contributing to a result.

leading factor for

Similar to 'key factor', but 'leading' emphasizes its prominence.

major influence on

Changes the focus to 'influence', indicating a powerful effect on something.

central impetus for

Replaces 'driver' with 'impetus', suggesting a force that initiates action or change.

chief contributor to

Highlights the most significant element adding to a specific outcome or situation.

root cause of

Focuses on the fundamental origin of a problem or situation.

underlying motive for

Focuses on the hidden or not immediately obvious reason behind something.

FAQs

How can I use "main driver behind" in a sentence?

Use "main driver behind" to indicate the primary cause or influencing factor of a situation or event. For example: "The "Brexit vote" was the main driver behind the economic downturn.

What are some alternatives to saying "main driver behind"?

You can use alternatives like "principal cause of", "primary reason for", or "key factor in depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "main driver behind" or "driving force behind"?

Both phrases are correct, but "driving force behind" implies a more active and powerful influence than "main driver behind". Choose the phrase that best fits the strength of the influence you want to convey.

What's the difference between "main driver behind" and "underlying motive for"?

"Main driver behind" refers to the primary cause or influence, while "underlying motive for" refers to the less obvious, often hidden reason. The first is about what is causing the visible effect; the second refers to what's causing one's actions.