the primary driver of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the primary driver of" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
The phrase is used to refer to the main influencing factor in a given situation. For example, "Safety is the primary driver of success in the transportation industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yet the primary driver of the solar roofs is economic.

The New York Times - Science

European integration, in turn, has been the primary driver of Europe's economic revitalization.

The New York Times

We are, by now, used to seeing greed as the primary driver of corporate scandals.

The New Yorker

That is the primary driver of prices, according to the industry: records are expensive to manufacture.

The Guardian - Music

"Mobile remains the primary driver of our growth," David Wehner, chief financial officer, told analysts.

The Guardian - Tech

"Right now, it's not the primary driver of why you buy the phone," he added.

The New York Times - Tech

"Do you really want taxes to be the primary driver of your investment decision?" she said.

The New York Times

The primary driver of costs will be the services and information that fund managers provide to participants.

The Economist

Spending on infrastructure has since slowed and consumption is emerging as the primary driver of the country's growth.

Independent

"And as long as TV is viewed as the primary driver of brand awareness, TV will grow its revenue base".

The New York Times

Mobile has become the primary driver of our business.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the primary driver of", ensure you clearly define what is being influenced. This provides context and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "the primary driver of" when multiple factors significantly contribute. Consider using phrases like "a major driver of" to acknowledge other influences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the primary driver of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the most significant influencing factor or cause within a given context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its common usage highlights its role in clearly identifying the key element driving an outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the primary driver of" serves to clearly identify the main cause or influencing factor in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and frequently used. As showcased by Ludwig's examples, this phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Science contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. When employing this phrase, remember to clearly define what's being influenced and avoid overstating causation when multiple factors are at play. Alternatives like "the main impetus behind" or "the principal cause of" can offer nuanced variations. The phrase is a staple in analytical writing for pinpointing key influences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main impetus behind

This alternative emphasizes the force that initiates or drives something forward.

the key contributing factor to

This phrase highlights a significant element that contributes to a specific outcome.

the principal cause of

This option directly indicates the main reason for something occurring.

the major reason for

A straightforward way of expressing the main reason behind something.

the dominant influence on

This highlights the most powerful factor affecting a particular situation.

the leading determinant of

This alternative underscores the factor that most strongly decides or controls an outcome.

the chief source of

This emphasizes the principal origin or starting point of something.

the fundamental reason for

This phrase points to the most basic and essential cause of something.

the root cause of

This emphasizes the underlying and ultimate origin of a problem or situation.

the central force behind

This highlights the core power or influence driving a particular process or event.

FAQs

How can I use "the primary driver of" in a sentence?

Use "the primary driver of" to identify the main influencing factor in a specific situation. For example, "Technological advancements are "the primary driver of" economic growth."

What are some alternatives to "the primary driver of"?

You can use alternatives like "the main reason for", "the key factor in", or "the principal cause of" to express similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "a primary driver of" instead of "the primary driver of"?

Yes, "a primary driver of" is correct when you want to indicate that something is one of several major influences, rather than the single most important one. "The primary driver of" suggests it's the most significant factor.

What's the difference between "the primary driver of" and "a major driver of"?

"The primary driver of" implies that something is the single most important influencing factor. In contrast, "a major driver of" suggests that something is a significant, but not necessarily the most important, factor among several contributing elements.