principal driver of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal driver of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the main factor or influence behind a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The principal driver of economic growth in the region has been the increase in technology investments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Moreover, cash payments by employers to undocumented workers are a principal driver of illegal immigration.

The Guardian - Business

Obviously in a capitalist economy, private business is a principal driver of growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

That leaves interest on the debt as the principal driver of long-term spending and deficits.

The New York Times

Ms. Cloyd told agents that her son Matthew was the principal driver of the S.U.V.

The New York Times

"Fossil fuels, which are the principal driver of climate change, require the sacrifice of whole regions and people.

The Guardian - Books

Revenues should not be the principal driver of programs, and many shows have been perceived to be just that.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Newborns are the capital's principal drivers of population growth.

The Guardian

Advanced technology is indeed one of the principal drivers of accelerating health costs in the United States.

The New York Times

"We're faced with weakness in the two economies that have been the principal drivers of Asia," Mr. Jovanovich said.

The New York Times

Rather, Pfaff points to prosecutors — more than cops, judges, or legislators — as the principal drivers of the increase in the prison population.

The New Yorker

Culture generates desires – for vehicles and appliances, for certain kinds of gardens and dwellings – that are among the principal drivers of the carbon economy.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principal driver of", ensure that the context clearly establishes the cause-and-effect relationship you are describing. Be specific about what is being driven and how.

Common error

Avoid using "principal driver of" when the factor in question is only one of several significant influences. Ensure it truly is the most important, not just a notable, factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal driver of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, identifying the primary factor that causes or influences a specific outcome. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in written English, and examples demonstrate its role in attributing causality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "principal driver of" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to pinpoint the primary cause or influence behind a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence across diverse fields such as science, news, and business underscores its versatility. While highly useful, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring that the designated factor genuinely holds the most significant influence. Alternatives like "main cause of" or "key factor in" may provide suitable variations depending on the desired nuance. Remember to avoid overstating the influence of a particular factor and to consider the overall context in which the phrase is deployed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main cause of

Replaces "driver" with "cause", focusing on the causal aspect.

key factor in

Substitutes "driver" with "factor", highlighting importance.

primary reason for

Emphasizes the rationale behind a particular outcome.

leading influence on

Focuses on the impact and direction of the influence.

chief contributor to

Highlights the contribution aspect of the driver.

major impetus for

Emphasizes the driving force or initial energy behind something.

foremost determinant of

Highlights the decisive nature of the driver.

central component of

Shifts focus to the essential part that drives a process.

most significant factor in

Highlights the degree of significance in driving an outcome.

prime mover behind

Suggests an entity or force that initiates and sustains a process.

FAQs

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

The phrase "principal driver of" is used to identify the main cause or influencing factor behind a specific outcome or situation. For example, "Technological innovation is the "principal driver of" economic growth."

What are some alternatives to "principal driver of"?

You can use alternatives such as "main cause of", "key factor in", or "leading influence on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "principal driver of" and "major driver of"?

"Principal driver of" implies that the factor is the most important or primary one, while "major driver of" suggests it's a significant but possibly not the most dominant factor. The choice depends on the degree of influence you want to emphasize.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "principal driver of"?

It's best to avoid using "principal driver of" if the factor you're describing is only one of many equally important factors or if the evidence supporting its primary influence is weak. Overstating the importance can mislead the audience.