Chief cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Chief cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary reason or main factor behind a particular event or situation. Example: "The chief cause of the project's failure was a lack of adequate funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cardiovascular diseases represent the chief cause of morbidity and mortality in Spain.

Medicina Clínica

The chief cause is Nigeria's inability to process its crude.

The Economist

While water conflicts are not the chief cause of tension in the area, they make achieving peace more difficult.

Technology in Society

Movement of cells out of primary tumors is the chief cause of mortality in cancer.

Yale University

This appears to have been the chief cause of the Roman loss.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The chief cause of the bigger trade gap was rising prices on oil imports.

The New York Times

The chief cause of uremia is damage to the kidneys, which has a variety of causes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The chief cause of the problem in Qatar is consanguineous marriages, experts here said.

The New York Times

This parasite is the chief cause of malaria in humans outside Africa.

The Economist

A triple bogey on the par three 15th was the chief cause of his concern.

The Guardian - Sport

This discrimination is widely accepted … by official assessments, as a chief cause of agitation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Chief cause" when you want to emphasize the most important reason or factor contributing to a specific outcome. It is particularly effective in formal writing and analytical contexts where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "Chief cause" in very informal or casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday speech. Opt for simpler alternatives like "main reason" or "biggest factor" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Chief cause" functions primarily as a noun phrase identifying the principal reason or factor responsible for a particular outcome or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Chief cause" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that identifies the primary reason or main factor behind an event or situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's deemed correct and appropriate for various contexts. While commonly found in news, scientific, and academic domains, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives in informal settings. Remember to consider the nuances of related phrases like "root cause" and "primary driver" to ensure the most accurate and impactful communication. With a strong source quality score and expert rating, "Chief cause" remains a reliable choice for precise and authoritative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Main reason

Focuses on the primary reason without necessarily implying a negative outcome.

Primary driver

Highlights the driving force behind an event or situation, often used in a more dynamic context.

Principal factor

Emphasizes the main element contributing to a result, suitable for analytical contexts.

Root cause

Indicates the fundamental reason at the base of a problem or situation, often used when investigating issues.

Underlying reason

Suggests a less obvious but fundamental reason, often requiring deeper analysis to uncover.

Key contributor

Highlights the most significant element that adds to a particular outcome.

Major determinant

Focuses on the main factor that decides or controls a situation.

Prime mover

Refers to the primary entity or force initiating or driving a process or event.

Central reason

Emphasizes the reason that is most important or essential.

Dominant factor

Highlights the factor that has the most influence or power in a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "Chief cause" in a sentence?

You can use "Chief cause" to identify the main reason behind an event or situation. For example, "The "lack of funding" was the chief cause of the project's failure".

What are some alternatives to "Chief cause"?

Some alternatives include "main reason", "primary driver", and "principal factor". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "Chief cause" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "Chief cause" is suitable for formal writing, especially in analytical reports, academic papers, and official documents. It conveys a sense of precision and authority.

What's the difference between "Chief cause" and "root cause"?

"Chief cause" identifies the main reason, while "root cause" implies a more fundamental, underlying reason that may not be immediately apparent. Root cause analysis often involves digging deeper to find the foundational issues.