a constant cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a constant cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that consistently leads to a particular effect or outcome over time. Example: "The constant cause of her stress was the overwhelming workload she faced every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Freedom of speech was also a constant cause.

The New York Times

In fact, I would say it is a constant cause for celebration for me.

The Guardian - Books

One teacher told the NUT survey: "The terminology for Spag is a constant cause of stress for children who find it all confusing.

The Guardian

He shares ownership now with his wife, Judy, who is beloved by patrons, but who has been a constant cause of concern.

The New York Times

Or it may be the interaction with the letters themselves, which are like fish hooked on the cursor, placid for a time before snapping to life and knocking around, a constant cause for surprise and frustration.

The New Yorker

About 23,000 vehicles a day make the trek in both directions, including more than 1,100 trucks, which are a constant cause for concern because of their size and the 10percentt grade of the mountain.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Raising and lowering ATOT while holding SID constant cause metabolic acidosis and alkalosis, respectively.

Critical Care

In their most general form, these involve the notion that a step loading (a suddenly imposed stress that is subsequently maintained constant) causes an immediate strain followed by a time-dependent strain which, for different materials, either may have a finite limit at long time or may increase indefinitely with time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Outside, a diesel generator, the base camp's source of electricity, made a constant racket, causing the law officers frequently to request witnesses to raise their voices.

The New Yorker

The results show that this dc vs. φ relationship produces a constant force causing cusp fracture PF, making the latter a viable measure of tooth resilience.

Acta Biomaterialia

A 2006 study suggested that using central heating and air conditioning to keep rooms at a constant temperature causes the body to expend less energy, because it no longer has to work to warm up or cool down, potentially leading to more fat being stored.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a constant cause", ensure the context clearly establishes the recurring nature of the cause and its consistent effect. For instance, "Lack of sleep is a constant cause of irritability" effectively conveys the persistent relationship.

Common error

Avoid attributing all effects solely to "a constant cause" without acknowledging other contributing factors. Over simplification can lead to inaccurate analysis; recognize that multiple elements may interact to produce a specific outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a constant cause" functions as a noun phrase identifying something that persistently leads to a specific result. Ludwig confirms its usability, indicating that it appropriately labels a consistent source of an effect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a constant cause" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, according to Ludwig, used to identify a persistent origin of a particular outcome. While not exceptionally frequent, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge domains. Ludwig's analysis suggests that it's essential to recognize that the expression's neutral register makes it widely applicable but should be used carefully to prevent oversimplification, as numerous factors often contribute to a single result. Related phrases, like "a recurring reason" or "a persistent source", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring reason

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the cause.

a persistent source

Highlights the ongoing and unwavering nature of the source.

a continuous factor

Stresses the uninterrupted influence of the factor.

an ongoing contributor

Focuses on the continuing contribution to a particular outcome.

a perpetual driver

Highlights the endless driving force behind something.

a consistent trigger

Emphasizes that is something always triggers.

a steady instigator

A continuous incitement of action.

a chronic source

Highlights the long-lasting nature of the source.

a never-ending origin

Focuses on the limitless nature of the origin.

a habitual generator

Emphasizes the regularly generating effect.

FAQs

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

Use "a constant cause" to describe something that consistently leads to a particular effect. For example, "Stress is "a constant cause" of headaches for her".

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

You can use alternatives like "a recurring reason", "a persistent source", or "a continuous factor" depending on the specific context.

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

While grammatically correct, "the constant cause" implies that there is only one known cause, which might not always be the case. "A constant cause" is generally more appropriate when there may be other contributing factors.

What's the difference between "a constant cause" and "a frequent cause"?

"A constant cause" implies something that is always present or happening, whereas "a frequent cause" suggests something that happens often, but not necessarily all the time.