mainspring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mainspring" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the principal spring in a mechanical watch or clock, or metaphorically, it can denote the main driving force behind something. Example: "The mainspring of our success has been our commitment to innovation and quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is like a watch without a mainspring.

The New Yorker

In 2000 Europe's leaders committed the region to becoming "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world" by 2010.Governments have good reason to foster innovation, for it is the mainspring of economic growth.

The Economist

But at $40,000 it is hardly cheap.Another drawback of a traditional watch is that as the mainspring uncoils, the power that the escapement transfers to the balance-wheel declines, making the watch run slower.

The Economist

But its mainspring may be about to break.

The Economist

Here, as applied to law, was the very mainspring of the pragmatists' outlook: the meaning of a doctrine or theory is indistinguishable from the practical effects of adopting it.James and Peirce were, more strictly, the philosophers of the club, and the pair make a wonderful study in contrasts.

The Economist

The combination of the two is holding back productivity improvement, the mainspring of rising living standards; firms cannot take full advantage of new information technology through just-in-time production, for instance, if deliveries are unpunctual.

The Economist

He fails to mention that this system has been the mainspring for comprehensive market-rigging and pervasive corruption in Japan, particularly in public works.

The Economist

The mainspring, the element that drives the watch, consists of a flat spring-steel band stressed in bending or coiling; when the watch, or other spring-driven mechanism, is wound, the curvature of the spring is increased, and energy is thus stored.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With this arrangement, the mainspring was made to rotate a barrel in which it was housed; a length of catgut, later replaced by a chain, was wound on it, the other end being coiled around the fusee.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the mainspring was fully wound, the gut or chain pulled on the smallest radius of the cone-shaped fusee; as the mainspring ran down, the leverage was progressively increased as the gut or chain pulled on a larger radius.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both men, while admiring the classical landscapes of Claude Lorrain and Poussin, believed that personal feeling was the mainspring of artistic activity and felt an almost mystical sympathy for the natural world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more contemporary or easily understood term like "driving force" or "key motivator" might be more effective for your audience.

Common error

While "mainspring" is a valid word, it can sound overly formal or archaic in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "reason", "motivation", or "cause" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mainspring" is that of a noun, often functioning as a subject or object within a sentence. It commonly represents the core element or driving force behind an action, event, or mechanism. Ludwig AI shows various instances where it effectively conveys this meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

41%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Mainspring" is a versatile term with roots in mechanics, now widely used metaphorically to denote the primary driving force or essential element behind something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and sees frequent usage in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While "mainspring" effectively conveys the concept of a core motivator, consider your audience and context; simpler alternatives like "driving force" or "key motivator" might enhance clarity in informal settings. Be mindful of overuse, and use the writing guidance to ensure accuracy and avoid common mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driving force

This alternative directly replaces "mainspring" with a more general term for a force that propels something.

key motivator

This highlights the motivational aspect of "mainspring", focusing on what drives action or behavior.

essential element

This emphasizes the fundamental and necessary nature of the "mainspring".

core component

Focuses on the structural importance of something as part of a whole system or mechanism.

fundamental principle

This is applicable when "mainspring" refers to a guiding belief or idea.

primary impetus

This alternative emphasizes the force that initiates or triggers an action or process.

central mechanism

This phrase focuses on the mechanical aspect, similar to the original meaning in clockwork.

underlying cause

This highlights the causal relationship where the "mainspring" is the root cause of an effect.

chief influence

Emphasizes the impact and power that the "mainspring" exerts.

motivating factor

This alternative specifies that the "mainspring" is a reason or influence that causes someone to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "mainspring" in a sentence?

You can use "mainspring" to refer to the primary driving force behind something, as in, "Innovation is the "mainspring" of economic growth", or to the actual spring in a mechanical device.

What can I say instead of "mainspring"?

Alternatives to "mainspring" include "driving force", "key motivator", or "essential element", depending on the specific context.

Is "mainspring" only used in the context of watches?

No, while "mainspring" originally refers to the principal spring in a clockwork mechanism, it's also used metaphorically to describe the most important reason or driving force behind something.

What's the difference between "mainspring" and "catalyst"?

"Mainspring" implies a continuous driving force, while "catalyst" suggests something that initiates or accelerates a process. The "mainspring" sustains, the catalyst triggers.