a cause is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cause is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when defining or explaining what a particular cause represents or entails. Example: "A cause is often seen as a reason behind an event or action, driving individuals to take specific actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Putting in long hours for a cause is easy".

The Guardian - Tech

"A cause is great," Ms. Frerer-Schmidt said.

The New York Times

Life without a cause is a curse, and I believe in the cause I am doing.

The Guardian

Officials said it could be months before a cause is determined.

The New York Times

The most important factor in seeking a cause is access to specimens from cases, she said.

The New York Times

Probably Ray's most frequently seen movie, "Rebel Without a Cause," is another prime example.

The New York Times

The challenge of such a cause is that no one disagrees with it.

The Guardian

But ultimately, Mr. Rubin said, it is "the crowd" that decides if a cause is legitimate.

The New York Times

Ghett's album 'Rebel With a Cause' is released in November by AATW/UMTV.

Independent

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 8 — A concert for a cause is more and less than a concert.

The New York Times - Arts

But "Rebels With a Cause" is no less valuable a contribution to the historical record for being a partisan document.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cause is", ensure the sentence clearly defines or explains the nature, role, or characteristic of the cause being discussed. This helps in providing clarity and avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that correlation implies causation when using "a cause is". Just because two events occur together does not necessarily mean one is the cause of the other. Ensure the relationship is well-established before stating a causal link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cause is" serves as a definitional or explanatory construction. It introduces an explanation or description of what constitutes a cause, often in the context of identifying reasons, motives, or origins. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cause is" functions as a definitional construct, used to explain or clarify the nature of a cause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, science, and general writing, demonstrating its versatility and neutrality. When using "a cause is", ensure to define the cause clearly, avoiding assumptions of causation based solely on correlation. Alternatives such as "a reason is" or "a factor is" can be used to vary your writing while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reason constitutes

Replaces "cause" with "reason" and uses "constitutes" instead of "is", changing the verb and noun while maintaining the core meaning.

a reason explains

Replaces "cause" with "reason" and "is" with "explains", highlighting the explanatory aspect of the cause.

a motive represents

Substitutes "cause" with "motive" and "is" with "represents", altering both the noun and verb to provide a different angle on the definition.

a factor involves

Replaces "cause" with "factor" and "is" with "involves", which shifts the focus slightly from definition to implication.

an origin signifies

Changes "cause" to "origin" and "is" to "signifies", emphasizing the source or beginning of something.

a source indicates

Replaces "cause" with "source" and "is" with "indicates", focusing on the origin or starting point.

a basis embodies

Substitutes "cause" with "basis" and "is" with "embodies", which subtly changes the meaning to the foundational element.

a root implies

Changes "cause" to "root" and "is" to "implies", suggesting a more fundamental or underlying reason.

a determinant marks

Replaces "cause" with "determinant" and "is" with "marks", emphasizing a factor that decisively affects an outcome.

a driver entails

Substitutes "cause" with "driver" and "is" with "entails", focusing on what propels or necessitates something.

FAQs

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

Use "a cause is" to define or explain the nature of a specific reason, motive, or origin. For instance, "a cause is the underlying reason for an action or event".

What are some alternatives to "a cause is"?

Alternatives include "a reason is", "a factor is", or "an origin is", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the cause are" instead of "a cause is"?

No, "the cause are" is grammatically incorrect. If referring to a singular cause, use "a cause is" or "the cause is". If referring to multiple causes, use "the causes are".

What's the difference between "a cause is" and "the reason is"?

"A cause is" generally refers to the broad underlying factor leading to an event or action. "The reason is" is more specific, often used to introduce an explanation for a particular situation or outcome.