a major cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"a major cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to something that is the primary reason for something else happening. For example: "Global warming is a major cause of extreme weather events."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A major cause for concern.

The Guardian

High housing costs are a major cause.

The New York Times

Hardly a major cause for concern.

The Guardian

Burns were a major cause of death.

The Washington Post

Alcoholism is a major cause of death.

Medicina Clínica

"This is a major cause of concern for us.

The Guardian

Habitat loss is a major cause, said Dr Warren.

The Guardian

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability.

Harvard University

Toyotarisation is a major cause of dust storms.

The Guardian

Cancer is a major cause of disease burden worldwide.

Nature

Burning coal is a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major cause", ensure that you can provide evidence or reasoning to support the claim. Be specific about the effect resulting from the cause.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a major cause" as the only cause, especially in complex situations. Acknowledge contributing factors to provide a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a significant factor contributing to a particular outcome, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

40%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major cause" is a frequently used phrase that identifies a significant contributing factor to a specific outcome. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related discussions. While "a major cause" highlights an important factor, it's important to acknowledge that multiple causes may be at play and avoid overstating its role as the only cause. Consider alternatives like "a primary reason" or "a key factor" for nuanced meaning. The phrase sees highest use in Science and News & Media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary reason

Emphasizes the reasoning behind something, rather than just the causal relationship.

a key factor

Highlights the importance of the element in contributing to an outcome.

a significant contributor

Focuses on the contribution aspect of the cause.

a leading factor

Indicates that this is the most important contributing factor among several.

a substantial element

Emphasizes the magnitude or size of the cause's impact.

a critical component

Highlights that the cause is an essential part of a larger system or process.

a central aspect

Focuses on the cause being a core element of the situation.

a prime driver

Suggests that the cause is the force that propels or initiates something.

a root source

Indicates that the cause is the fundamental origin of a problem or situation.

a fundamental reason

Highlights the deep, underlying nature of the cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major cause" to indicate a significant reason or factor contributing to a particular outcome. For example, "Pollution is "a major cause" of respiratory illnesses."

What are some alternatives to using "a major cause"?

Alternatives include "a primary reason", "a key factor", or "a significant contributor", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "a major cause" or "the major cause"?

Using "a major cause" suggests that there are other contributing factors, while "the major cause" implies it is the most significant, possibly sole, factor. Choose the phrasing that accurately reflects the context.

What is the difference between "a major cause" and "a root cause"?

"A major cause" refers to a significant contributing factor, while "a root cause" refers to the fundamental, underlying reason behind a problem. Identifying the root cause often requires deeper investigation than simply identifying a major cause.