may be driven

USAGE SUMMARY

"may be driven" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
it is typically used when discussing possibilities or potential outcomes. Example: The success of the project may be driven by effective communication among team members.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It argues a legitimate movement may be driven underground.

The Economist

We may be driven by the funding crisis, but we want to do things differently".

The Guardian

This may be driven by a desire to avoid regulation or legal constraints in some countries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This may be driven by a desire to lock in record low interest rates.

The Guardian - Business

The public embrace of genetics may be driven as much by wishful thinking as scientific truth.

The New York Times - Health

But after struggling with this live chat I may be driven back to the couch.(Joke).

The New Yorker

We suspect that he may be driven to abandon his studio.

The New Yorker

Our desire for them may be driven by fashion or a desire to enhance our status.

The Economist

America's current-account deficit today may be driven mainly by shifts in international portfolio allocation.

The Economist

Critics say the court sometimes goes too far, and may be driven by personal motives.

The New York Times

He has warned that the bank may be driven away from the UK by regulation and taxes.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be driven", ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the 'driving'. For instance, specify the factors, motivations, or forces influencing the subject in question for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "may be driven" excessively in passive voice, as it can make your writing sound vague. Actively identify and state the drivers or influences directly for a more assertive and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be driven" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential cause. It suggests that a particular factor or influence could be responsible for a certain outcome or behavior, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be driven" serves as a linguistic tool to express potential causation or influence. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently used to discuss possibilities. With examples spanning scientific research, news reports, and formal documents, it highlights the multifaceted applications of the phrase. While it's important to use this phrase accurately and avoid overuse in passive constructions, understanding its nuances enhances effective communication. Its frequency in authoritative sources underscores its importance in written and spoken English, serving as a reminder to consider its use when speculating causation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be caused by

Replaces "may be driven" with a focus on causation, suggesting a potential cause-and-effect relationship.

might be influenced by

Emphasizes the aspect of influence rather than direct causation, offering a softer tone.

could stem from

Implies origin or derivation, suggesting the source from which something arises.

might result from

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of something, similar to "caused by" but with a slightly broader scope.

could arise from

Indicates the emergence or beginning of something due to a specific reason.

might be attributed to

Highlights the act of assigning a cause or reason to something, often used when the cause is not definitively proven.

could be prompted by

Suggests that something has initiated or encouraged an action or event.

might be motivated by

Focuses on the underlying reasons or incentives driving an action or decision.

could be spurred by

Implies a stimulus or impetus that accelerates or instigates an event.

might be instigated by

Highlights the initiation or commencement of an event, often implying a more active or deliberate cause.

FAQs

How can I use "may be driven" in a sentence?

Use "may be driven" to express a potential cause or influence. For example, "The increase in sales "may be driven" by the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "may be driven"?

Alternatives include "could be caused by", "might be influenced by", or "could stem from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more accurate, "may be driven by" or "is driven by"?

"May be driven by" indicates a possibility or potential influence, while "is driven by" asserts a definite cause. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the certainty of the relationship you're describing.

What's the difference between "may be driven by" and "could be attributed to"?

"May be driven by" suggests an active force or motivation, whereas "could be attributed to" implies an assignment of cause, which may be more passive or observational.