main driver of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main driver of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when referring to a factor or element which is the primary influence in a situation or process. For example: "The main driver of economic growth in the region is the automotive industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not surprisingly, the main driver of these innovations is money.

The New York Times

These factors are the main driver of educational failure.

The Guardian

"It's the main driver of mass incarceration in this country".

The Guardian

Obesity is usually cited as the main driver of diabetes.

The Guardian

The main driver of this is the oil sector.

The Economist

"Its mass transit is a main driver of value creation".

The New York Times

Livestock was the main driver of global warming potential.

Agricultural Systems

As countries develop, the main driver of economic growth shifts from imitation to innovation.

Harvard University

CO2 is not the main driver of the climate of the Earth.

University of California, Berkeley

Floods are the main driver of dissolved and, mainly particulate, contaminants in the catchment.

Journal of Hydrology

The broker said: British Airways will remain the main driver of IAG's performance.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main driver of", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being primarily influenced. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "main driver of" when the factor you're describing is only one of many significant influences. Overstating its importance can mislead readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main driver of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the primary factor influencing a specific event, trend, or outcome. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main driver of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the primary cause or influence behind something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. To enhance clarity, ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being primarily influenced and avoid overstating its importance if it is only one of many significant influences. Alternatives like "driving force behind" or "chief cause of" can provide nuanced variations. When you need to pinpoint the leading factor, "main driver of" is a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driving force behind

Uses a more active and dynamic phrasing to indicate the energizing power.

most significant factor in

Emphasizes the importance and weight of a particular element.

chief cause of

Substitutes "driver" with "cause", highlighting the reason something happens.

leading influence on

Indicates the prominent impact exerted on something.

principal reason for

Emphasizes the rationale or justification as the main influencing factor.

central determinant of

Highlights the decisive element that establishes or controls an outcome.

primary impetus for

Replaces "driver" with "impetus", focusing on the initiating force behind something.

major contributor to

Focuses on the significant contribution to an effect or outcome.

prime mover of

Implies the initial and most important instigator of an action or event.

key factor in

Highlights the element that is crucial or essential in a particular outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "main driver of" to indicate the primary cause or influence behind a particular outcome. For example, "Consumer spending is the "main driver of" economic growth".

What are some alternatives to "main driver of"?

Some alternatives include "primary impetus for", "chief cause of", or "driving force behind", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "major driver of" instead of "main driver of"?

Yes, "major driver of" is a perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable alternative to "main driver of". Both phrases indicate a significant influencing factor.

What's the difference between "main driver of" and "key factor in"?

"Main driver of" typically implies a more active or direct influence, while "key factor in" suggests a crucial element contributing to an outcome. The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.