a clear cause for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear cause for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to something that is leading to a certain outcome or result. For example: "The economic downturn was a clear cause for the closure of the factory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But this release is a clear cause for optimism.

The Economist

By failing to inform DNB about her side job, Ms van der Waal made things easy on the bank, giving it a clear cause for termination.

The Economist

MRI of the lumbar spine did not show a clear cause for the symptoms.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

It can be hard to accept the randomness of autism, and so the idea that there is a clear cause for it is very seductive.

HuffPost

While the study does not suggest a clear cause for Texas' alarming data, the rise in pregnancy-related deaths coincided with lawmakers slashing family planning funds by 66percentt in the state budget in 2011.

HuffPost

The study confirmed the north-south differences in faecal contamination of hands without finding a clear cause for the trend.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A post-mortem that afternoon was unable to establish a clear cause of death for Eva.

Independent

Train dispatchers have often used overcrowding as a catchall category for delays without a clear cause or for ones caused by the crowded platforms that follow when equipment failures or track work disrupt regular service.

The New York Times

It can come and go without a clear cause and effect relationship and for many, when they are down with back pain, they are truly incapacitated, unable to move from a horizontal position, with only time spent resting seeming to solve the problem.

HuffPost

These data indicate a clear cause and effect relation for the HO-1-mediated antiapoptotic effect.

British Journal of Cancer

In paving the way for popular music to explore what Americans like to call its "better self", it still encapsulates much of what is perceived to be the best and worst about rock fundraising: a pile of money, heightened awareness for a clear cause, and a rich cultural and musical legacy on the plus side; confusion, mismanagement, excess and ego on the other.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clear cause for", ensure the connection between the cause and effect is explicitly stated to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear cause for" when the cause is actually complex or multifactorial. If there are multiple contributing factors, it's more accurate to describe them as "contributing factors" rather than implying a single, obvious cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear cause for" functions as a causal connector, linking an event or situation to its readily apparent reason or origin. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates something leading to a certain outcome or result. The examples provided in Ludwig showcase its use in diverse contexts, from economics to medicine.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear cause for" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that functions as a causal connector, indicating a direct and understandable reason for something. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to refer to something that leads to a certain outcome. While less frequent than other causal phrases, it is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the causal relationship is indeed straightforward and explicit to avoid misleading the reader. Remember alternatives like "an obvious reason for" or "a distinct rationale for" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an obvious reason for

Replaces "clear cause" with "obvious reason", emphasizing the readily apparent nature of the reason.

a distinct rationale for

Substitutes "clear cause" with "distinct rationale", suggesting a well-defined and logical basis.

an evident explanation for

Replaces "cause" with "explanation", focusing on providing understanding and clarity.

a plain justification for

Uses "plain justification" instead of "clear cause", indicating a straightforward and easily understood reason.

a transparent motive for

Replaces "cause" with "motive", highlighting the underlying motivation behind an action or decision.

a discernible basis for

Substitutes "clear cause" with "discernible basis", emphasizing that the reason can be easily recognized.

a manifest impetus for

Replaces "clear cause" with "manifest impetus", suggesting a readily apparent driving force or motivation.

an unambiguous ground for

Uses "unambiguous ground" to replace "clear cause", highlighting the lack of uncertainty or confusion about the reason.

a self-evident trigger for

Replaces "cause" with "trigger", indicating something that immediately sets off a particular reaction or event and "self-evident" for "clear".

a patent determinant of

Changes "cause" to "determinant", focusing on a factor that conclusively decides or affects an outcome and "patent" for "clear".

FAQs

How can I use "a clear cause for" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear cause for" to indicate a direct and easily understandable reason for something. For example, "The decline in sales was "a clear cause for" the company's restructuring."

What are some alternatives to "a clear cause for"?

Some alternatives include "an obvious reason for", "a distinct rationale for", or "an evident explanation for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a clear cause for"?

No, it's best used when the cause is genuinely straightforward and evident. If the cause is complex or uncertain, consider using more nuanced language.

What's the difference between "a clear cause for" and "a contributing factor to"?

"A clear cause for" suggests a primary and obvious reason, whereas "a contributing factor to" indicates one of several influences. The former implies a direct relationship, while the latter suggests a more indirect one.