a cause of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a cause of' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a reason or explanation for something. Example: Deforestation is a major cause of climate change.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, it was a cause of cyanosis.

The New York Times

A Cause of Cancer?

The New York Times - Health

"And that's a cause of concern".

The Guardian

Britten is a cause of mine".

The New York Times

It's a cause of mass celebration.

The Guardian - Sport

Not as a cause of insomnia.

The New York Times - Science

"These irregularities are a cause of concern," he said.

The New York Times

Fallout as a cause of genetic defects; cancer.

The New Yorker

"The sun never shone on a cause of greater worth.

The New Yorker

The suit charges "water torture" as a cause of death.

The New York Times

Traditionally, tax reform is a cause of the right.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cause of", ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is being caused. For example, instead of saying "Stress is a cause", specify "Stress is a cause of anxiety."

Common error

Be specific about the relationship between the cause and effect. Avoid vague statements like "Technology is a cause" without specifying what technology is causing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cause of" functions primarily as a causal connector, linking a condition or event to its origin or reason. Ludwig examples show its use in identifying factors leading to specific outcomes or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a cause of" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the origin or reason behind a particular event or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. When using "a cause of", it's best practice to clearly specify the relationship between the cause and effect to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a reason for" or "a source of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With a strong presence in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, "a cause of" remains a reliable and effective way to express causality in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reason for

Focuses on the justification or explanation behind something, rather than the direct source.

a source of

Highlights the origin from which something arises, emphasizing the point of commencement.

a factor in

Indicates that something contributes to a larger outcome, rather than being the sole origin.

responsible for

Emphasizes accountability and direct influence, implying a degree of control or agency.

attributable to

Suggests that something can be assigned or credited to a particular cause or source.

a contributor to

Highlights something that adds to or plays a part in causing a particular situation.

an antecedent of

Implies a preceding event or condition that leads to a subsequent outcome.

a determinant of

Focuses on something that conclusively decides or determines an outcome.

giving rise to

Indicates the action of creating or generating something as a consequence.

the origin of

Refers specifically to the initial point or beginning of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a cause of" to indicate the reason or origin of something. For example, "Pollution is a cause of respiratory problems".

What are some alternatives to saying "a cause of"?

You can use alternatives like "a reason for", "a source of", or "a factor in" depending on the context.

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

Both "a cause of" and "the cause of" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A cause of" implies one of several possible causes, while "the cause of" suggests the primary or only cause.

What's the difference between "a cause of" and "due to"?

"A cause of" is a noun phrase indicating the origin or reason behind something, while "due to" is a prepositional phrase used to explain the reason for something. For example, "Poverty is a cause of crime" vs. "Crime is often due to poverty".