major impetus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major impetus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant force or motivation behind an action or change. Example: "The new policy served as a major impetus for the company's growth in the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the idea gained major impetus from another event, the accelerating momentum of change in Harlem.

The New York Times - Arts

As a result, exports have grown steadily and proved a major impetus to growth.

The Guardian - Business

The agricultural revolution, dated to about 10,000 bce, gave a major impetus to building construction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rich fisheries of the coast provided the major impetus for European involvement in the area.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, the major impetus for the style was the British Arts and Crafts movement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As in London, hosting the Olympic Games was a major impetus to improving disabled access.

The Guardian

The National Intelligence Estimate noted that our presence in Iraq is itself the major impetus to the insurgency.

The New York Times

Evidently, a major impetus for Beijing's decision was international pressure for transparency and greater respect for human rights.

The New Yorker

The industry developed steadily and received a major impetus from Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin in 1793.

Britannica

In addition to Chaney's performance this season, Layden and Dolan cited the quest for stability as a major impetus in their decision.

The New York Times - Sports

A major impetus for the filming of "Twilight," Ms. Smith said, came from a performance of the play in Washington in the mid-90's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "major impetus" to clearly indicate the most significant factor contributing to a particular outcome or development. Ensure the context makes it clear what is being influenced by this impetus.

Common error

Avoid using "major impetus" when you actually mean "major impact". "Impetus" refers to the initial driving force, while "impact" refers to the resulting effect or consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major impetus" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a significant driving force or motivation behind a specific action, event, or development. Ludwig AI's examples show it introducing a cause or reason.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major impetus" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a significant driving force or motivation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across various domains, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While suitable for general use, its frequent appearance in formal contexts suggests a slightly elevated register. Understanding the distinction between "impetus" and "impact" is crucial to avoid common errors. Related phrases like "significant catalyst" or "key driving force" can be used as alternatives to diversify writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Key driving force

Emphasizes the force that propels something forward.

Fundamental reason

Highlights the most important underlying reason.

Significant catalyst

Focuses on the catalytic role in initiating change or action.

Underlying cause

Focuses on the foundational cause of an event or action.

Primary motivation

Highlights the underlying reason for an action.

Central stimulus

Focuses on the initiating factor.

Principal incentive

Highlights the motivating reward or benefit.

Mainspring

Implies the core mechanism that sets something in motion.

Prime mover

Indicates the initial agent of change or action.

Chief instigation

Emphasizes the act of initiating or provoking.

FAQs

How can I use "major impetus" in a sentence?

Use "major impetus" to describe the key factor that drives or motivates a particular action or development. For example, "The new regulations were a major impetus for the company to adopt more sustainable practices."

What are some alternatives to "major impetus"?

You can use alternatives like "significant catalyst", "key driving force", or "primary motivation" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "the major impetus was because of"?

While understandable, it's more concise and grammatically sound to say "the major impetus was" followed by a noun or noun phrase, or "the major impetus was that" followed by a clause. For example, "The major impetus was funding constraints."

What is the difference between "major impetus" and "major influence"?

"Major impetus" refers to the initial driving force or motivation, while "major influence" refers to a significant effect or power that something has on someone or something. The former starts the process, the latter shapes it.