Grammar fix
a driving force
main impetus (figurative)
the person or thing that is most responsible for making something happen or for encouraging progress, especially in a project, movement, or change
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Her passion for education was the driving force behind the charity's success.
In my opinion, curiosity is often the driving force behind scientific discoveries, as it motivates researchers to keep exploring new ideas.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She was the driving force of the project.
Say: She was the driving force behind the project.
'The driving force BEHIND something', not 'of'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'The driving force behind' is the natural fixed phrase; 'principal instigating agent' is made-up officialese.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
the driving force behind
- the project
- the campaign
- change
- the company