a definite cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definite cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific reason or factor that leads to a particular outcome or effect. Example: "The researchers identified a definite cause for the increase in pollution levels in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Every event has a definite cause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it is never easy to find a definite cause.

The New York Times

Yesterday staff performed necropsies on the stingrays and failed to determine a definite cause of death.

The Guardian

Investigators suspect methane gas and coal dust, but have not established a definite cause.

The New York Times

If things go as planned, I should be able to determine a definite cause and even show it to you".

The New Yorker

Approximately one woman of reproductive age in 100 will experience recurrent pregnancy loss, and in no more than half of couples will a definite cause be established.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Although a definite cause-and-effect relationship between HCV and diabetes has not been established, the successful eradication of HCV may result in an improvement of IR, particularly in individuals who achieve sustained virologic response (SVR) (5, 6).

Diabetes Care

Plausible explanations for this second response are briefly discussed, but neither empirical nor theoretical evidence can establish conclusively a definite physical cause.

Advances in Space Research

That's not a definite proven cause.

Los Angeles Times

Two patients suffered from skin necrosis, and in no patient could a definite alternative cause for the thrombocytopenia be found.

Critical Care

The most common definite cause of delirium was metabolic or endocrine disturbance, a finding which was similar to that of previous studies of patients with delirium referred to a consultation-liaison psychiatric service [ 32, 47].

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a definite cause", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the cause is not just suspected, but has been firmly established or identified. For instance, use it when referring to a cause that has been proven through scientific investigation or direct observation.

Common error

Avoid using "a definite cause" when the evidence is circumstantial or inconclusive. Using this phrase implies certainty, so it should only be used when the cause is genuinely confirmed, not merely suspected or inferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite cause" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb (e.g., 'identify', 'determine', 'establish') or as a complement in a clause. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite cause" is a noun phrase used to indicate that a specific reason or factor has been clearly identified and established as the source of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most frequently found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure the cause is indeed firmly established, avoiding its use for mere suspicions or inferences. Alternatives include phrases like "a clear cause" or "an established cause", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear cause

Replaces "definite" with "clear", emphasizing the unambiguous nature of the cause.

an established cause

Uses "established" instead of "definite", highlighting that the cause has been proven or recognized.

a proven cause

Substitutes "definite" with "proven", stressing the verified nature of the cause.

a confirmed cause

Replaces "definite" with "confirmed", focusing on the verified or validated status of the cause.

a specific cause

Uses "specific" instead of "definite", highlighting the precise and particular nature of the cause.

a known cause

Replaces "definite" with "known", emphasizing that the cause is recognized and understood.

a determined cause

Substitutes "definite" with "determined", stressing the cause has been established through investigation.

a certain cause

Uses "certain" instead of "definite", implying a high degree of confidence in the cause.

a distinct cause

Replaces "definite" with "distinct", emphasizing the clear and unmistakable nature of the cause.

a verifiable cause

Substitutes "definite" with "verifiable", highlighting that the cause can be checked or proven.

FAQs

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

Use "a definite cause" when you want to emphasize that something has a clear and established reason behind it. For example: "The study identified "a definite cause" for the disease outbreak."

What's a less formal alternative to "a definite cause"?

In less formal contexts, you could use alternatives like "a clear reason" or "a specific factor" to convey a similar meaning to "a definite cause".

Is it appropriate to use "a definite cause" in academic writing?

Yes, "a definite cause" is perfectly appropriate in academic writing when you need to clearly state that something has been proven or identified as the reason for a particular outcome.

What's the difference between "a definite cause" and "a possible cause"?

"A definite cause" indicates that the reason is confirmed and certain, while "a possible cause" suggests that the reason is just a potential explanation that needs further investigation.