Immediate cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Immediate cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the direct factor or event that leads to a particular outcome or effect. Example: "The immediate cause of the accident was a sudden brake failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It was the immediate cause," Rogers said.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was the immediate cause of the friction last week.

The Guardian

Deflation, whatever its immediate cause, may choke even more demand.

The Guardian - Business

The firmest of these concerns the immediate cause of intoxication.

The New Yorker

Dubious vote tallying was the immediate cause of the upheaval.

The New York Times

The immediate cause was the Canary Wharf project in London.

The New York Times

The immediate cause was his abrasive management style.

The Economist

Meanwhile, there was a more immediate cause for disquiet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The immediate cause of death was a stroke.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meningitis is usually the immediate cause of death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The immediate cause was pneumonia, Ms. Fadiman said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing events, clearly distinguish between the "immediate cause" and underlying factors for a comprehensive analysis.

Common error

Avoid attributing complex outcomes solely to the "immediate cause". Always consider deeper, contributing factors for a thorough understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Immediate cause" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most direct factor leading to a specific outcome. Ludwig AI examples show it in sentences explaining reasons behind events, deaths, or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Immediate cause" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the most direct reason for an event. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While the phrase is clear, it's important not to overlook deeper, underlying factors contributing to the event. Alternatives such as "direct reason" or "proximate cause" can be used for variety, but "Immediate cause" remains a precise and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Proximate cause

Highlights the nearness or closeness of the cause to the effect.

Precipitating factor

Highlights the factor that directly leads to a particular result.

Direct reason

Focuses on the directness of the reason, similar to immediate.

Primary factor

Emphasizes the factor as being the main or principal one.

Chief reason

Focuses on the primary or most important reason.

Triggering event

Implies an event that sets off a series of consequences.

Underlying trigger

Highlights the hidden cause which initiates a chain of events.

Antecedent

Refers to a preceding event that influences subsequent events.

Mainspring

Suggests the fundamental or underlying cause, often less obvious.

Root cause

Emphasizes the fundamental cause from which other causes arise.

FAQs

What does "Immediate cause" mean?

The term "Immediate cause" refers to the most direct and proximate reason for a particular event or outcome.

How to use "Immediate cause" in a sentence?

You can use "Immediate cause" to identify the primary trigger of an event, such as: "The "immediate cause" of the fire was faulty wiring."

What are some alternatives to "Immediate cause"?

Alternatives include "direct reason", "proximate cause", or "precipitating factor", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "Immediate cause" and "Root cause"?

"Immediate cause" refers to the most direct trigger of an event, while "Root cause" refers to the fundamental, underlying reason. For example, the "immediate cause" of a car accident might be speeding, but the "root cause" could be poor driver training.