Chain of causation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Chain of causation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the relationship between events, particularly in legal, philosophical, or scientific discussions about how one event leads to another. Example: "In the investigation, we need to establish a clear chain of causation to determine liability for the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The precise chain of causation remains murky.

The New York Times

But many reject a chain of causation.

The Guardian

But in every pandemic, the chain of causation is intricate.

The New York Times - Health

The chain of causation from the threats and the original comments appears tenuous".

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a chain of causation, with alcohol and stress playing major roles.

The New York Times

The chain of causation, as with so much else in Israel, leads back to Ariel Sharon.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is a man caught in a rusty chain of causation, and his scruples gives him no escape.

The New York Times - Books

God is not an uncaused cause, but himself part of the chain of causation.

The New York Times

He said he would look at "every stage in the chain of causation" that results in jobs going to a "contestant from abroad".

The Guardian

Instead he will try to pinpoint a clear chain of causation that leads someone to lose a sense of identity and then become fully radicalised.

The Guardian

Past the Woolworth Building, City Hall Park, Trinity Church: "We're very near Ground Zero, Khaled" — very near, in a chain of causation, the source of his nightmare.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex situations, clearly outline the steps in the "chain of causation" to avoid ambiguity. Use specific examples to illustrate each link in the chain.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying a "chain of causation" by ignoring intermediary steps or external factors. Acknowledge potential alternative explanations and complexities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chain of causation" functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe a sequence of events where each event directly influences the next. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in legal, scientific, and philosophical contexts to establish relationships between actions and outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

32%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chain of causation" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe the sequence of events linking an action to its result. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from legal and scientific analyses to general discussions about cause and effect. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist underscore its reliability and importance. When using this phrase, remember to avoid oversimplification and clearly outline each step to ensure clarity and accuracy. Alternatives such as "causal link" or "causative sequence" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cause and effect

Directly states the principle of one thing leading to another.

Causal relationship

Highlights the relationship between cause and effect.

Causal link

Focuses on the direct connection between two events.

Causative sequence

Emphasizes the order in which events lead to a specific outcome.

Line of reasoning

Highlights the logical progression from one point to another.

Logical consequence

Stresses that something is a direct result of a previous action.

Sequence of events

Simply describes the order in which things happened.

Domino effect

Suggests that one event triggers a series of similar events.

Ripple effect

Implies that one event has a wider, less direct impact.

Nexus

Emphasizes a strong, interconnected relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "chain of causation" in a sentence?

You can use "chain of causation" to explain how one event leads to another, for example: "The investigation aimed to establish the "chain of causation" that led to the accident."

What is an alternative to "chain of causation"?

Alternatives include "causal link", "causative sequence", or "cause and effect" depending on the context.

What does "chain of causation" mean in legal terms?

In law, "chain of causation" refers to the sequence of events that connect an action to its consequences, establishing liability.

Is "chain of causation" the same as "correlation"?

No, correlation indicates a relationship between two variables, while "chain of causation" implies that one event directly causes another. Correlation does not equal causation.