sole driver

USAGE SUMMARY

"sole driver" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is the only one responsible for, or taking part in, a particular activity. For example, "After his colleagues had pulled out, he was the sole driver of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr. McQueen was not the sole driver.

The New York Times

However, Ms. Chapellu stressed, price is not the sole driver for success.

The New York Times

And cable news is not the sole driver of political knowledge.

The New York Times

"Nonlabor sources have been the sole driver of real disposable income," Mr. Bernstein said.

The New York Times

When booking flights and searching for somewhere to stay or to eat, technology is the sole driver of the process.

Independent

IF USER demand were the sole driver of innovation, the biomass cooking stove would be one of the most sophisticated devices in the world.

The Economist

Mr. Phillips's work wasn't the sole driver of change, but like Upton Sinclair, whose "Jungle" was published almost simultaneously, his influence among progressives was significant.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Even the most dependent wives, if they drive, become arrogant under such circumstances; husbands who have been only normally bossy become completely intolerable when they are the sole drivers.

The New Yorker

More recent shocks may be more likely to be the sole drivers of retirement decisions.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Don't hold your breath for them to be the sole drivers of all the good.

Huffington Post

No additional genetic alterations were identified to be associated with these H3.3 mutations that appeared to be the sole drivers of these tumors.

Acta Neuropathologica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sole driver", ensure clarity about what it is driving. For example, specify whether it's the "sole driver of innovation", "sole driver of the economy", or "sole driver of someone's actions".

Common error

Avoid using "sole driver" when multiple factors are clearly involved. Acknowledge other contributing elements to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole driver" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the singular, exclusive cause or influence behind a specific event, action, or phenomenon. Ludwig AI provides examples that demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sole driver" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that denotes the single, exclusive cause or influence behind an event or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use spans across various contexts, including science, news, and formal communications, with a neutral to formal register. While commonly employed, it's crucial to ensure that the term accurately reflects the exclusivity of the cause; otherwise, alternatives like "primary driving force" or "key contributing factor" may be more appropriate. Avoiding overstatement and maintaining clarity are key to effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusive reason

Underlines that no other cause exists, which underlines uniqueness and removes any other possible reasons.

prime mover

Focuses on the entity that initiates action or change. It emphasizes the active nature of the influence.

chief determinant

Indicates the leading element that decides an outcome. Highlights the decisive aspect of the factor.

single instigator

Emphasizes the role of one who starts or provokes something. It spotlights the proactive start and action.

primary driving force

Emphasizes the power and influence behind a certain outcome. It focuses on the dynamic aspect of driving something forward.

fundamental impetus

Focuses on the basic, underlying reason or drive behind something. The impetus is a foundational component.

main catalyst

Highlights the element that initiates or accelerates a process. Shifts the focus to the initial impetus.

principal cause

Highlights the main reason behind an effect, indicating a causal relationship. More scientifically sounds.

key contributing factor

Stresses that one aspect is a crucial ingredient, rather than the only influence, but important enough. It underlines the significance, yet it acknowledges other existing factors.

central component

Highlights that the factor is an integral element that affects the system as a whole. The component is a necessary element.

FAQs

How can I use "sole driver" in a sentence?

You can use "sole driver" to indicate that something is the only cause or influence behind a particular outcome. For instance, "Technology is not the "sole driver" of economic growth; policy also plays a crucial role."

What are some alternatives to saying "sole driver"?

Instead of "sole driver", you could use phrases like "primary driving force", "main catalyst", or "chief determinant", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "sole driver" when multiple factors are present?

No, "sole driver" should only be used when one factor is exclusively responsible. If multiple factors are at play, consider using phrases like "key contributing factor" or "major influence".

What's the difference between "sole driver" and "major factor"?

"Sole driver" implies exclusivity—that something is the only cause or influence. "Major factor", on the other hand, suggests significant influence but acknowledges the presence of other contributing factors.