a conceivable cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conceivable cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a potential reason or explanation that is plausible or imaginable in a given context. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, the detective proposed a conceivable cause for the unusual behavior of the suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

They launch a study that considers every conceivable cause, but cannot come up with an answer because of limitations in their study design.

Breast Cancer Research

By ruling out each of the three alternative possibilities, we are confident to conclude that pollination by O. biennis is the major, if not the only, conceivable cause for the genetic and epigenetic variations in the mutator-phenotype and its sefled progenies.

BMC Plant Biology

To what extent can capacity mechanisms adequately address the various conceivable causes of possible capacity constraints?

Energy, Sustainability and Society

On the question of conceivable causes of suicide, there was general agreement that mental illness was most important and biological factors were less than moderately important causes of suicide.

BMC Psychiatry

Whereas health policy gives some attention to of whites, a conceivable outcome if the diverse causes of the public health issues, it deals little with the social context of disparity were rectified.

Yale University

That is, I concede, a conceivable construction of the words.

Cornell University

And a conceivable visible-light photocatalysis mechanism was proposed in detail.

Catalysis Today

A conceivable scenario would be this.

Biology and Philosophy

Already in the first interview a conceivable core category emerged.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Inflammation is emerging as a conceivable etiologic mechanism for both.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

It argued that his handcuffing constituted an illegal arrest, given that there was no conceivable probable cause that he had committed or was about to commit a crime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a conceivable cause" when you want to introduce a reason or explanation that is possible but not necessarily proven. It's useful in contexts where speculation or hypothesis is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a conceivable cause" when you have strong evidence for a definitive cause. In such cases, a more assertive phrase would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conceivable cause" functions as a noun phrase, where "conceivable" modifies the noun "cause". It introduces a potential reason or explanation that is plausible or imaginable. Based on Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct but used in a few examples.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a conceivable cause" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a plausible but not necessarily proven explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, though examples are rare. It functions as a noun phrase and is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in scientific and analytical writing. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure the context aligns with its speculative nature, avoiding overstatements of certainty. Consider alternatives like "a plausible reason" or "a possible explanation" depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plausible reason

Replaces "conceivable" with "plausible", suggesting a reason that is believable and likely.

a possible explanation

Substitutes both words to offer a potential explanation, emphasizing possibility.

a potential factor

Focuses on the aspect of something contributing to an outcome.

a thinkable origin

Replaces with less common words to suggest an origin that can be thought of or imagined.

an imaginable basis

Emphasizes the imaginative aspect of the cause.

a credible rationale

Suggests a reason or justification that is believable and trustworthy.

a likely antecedent

Focuses on a preceding event that could have led to the current situation.

a valid justification

Implies that the cause can be defended with logic or evidence.

a reasonable ground

Highlights that the cause is sensible and logical.

a tenable hypothesis

Suggests a cause that can be defended against objections.

FAQs

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

You can use "a conceivable cause" to introduce a possible explanation for an event or phenomenon. For example, "After reviewing the data, the scientists identified a conceivable cause for the sudden increase in pollution."

What are some alternatives to "a conceivable cause"?

You can use alternatives like "a plausible reason", "a possible explanation", or "a potential factor" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a conceivable cause" or "a possible cause"?

Both "a conceivable cause" and "a possible cause" are grammatically correct. "A conceivable cause" suggests that the cause is imaginable or thinkable, while "a possible cause" simply indicates that it is a potential cause. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a conceivable cause" in academic writing?

It is appropriate to use "a conceivable cause" in academic writing when presenting a hypothesis or speculating about potential explanations, especially when empirical evidence is limited or inconclusive.