a major cause of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major cause of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used in the context of explaining why something happened or why a situation exists. For example: "Deforestation is a major cause of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Burns were a major cause of death.

The Washington Post

TBI is a major cause of disability.

European Psychiatry

Alcoholism is a major cause of death.

Medicina Clínica

"This is a major cause of concern for us.

The Guardian

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

Esophageal hypersensitivity may be a major cause of heartburn.

Nature

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability.

Harvard University

Flaviviruses are a major cause of infectious disease in humans.

Antiviral Research

Cardiovascular disease constitutes a major cause of death worldwide.

International Journal of Cardiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major cause of", ensure that the context clearly establishes the causal link between the identified cause and its effect. Provide supporting evidence or data to strengthen your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a major cause of" when the relationship is merely correlational or when other significant factors are involved. Qualify the statement with phrases like "contributing factor" or "one of the major causes" to reflect a more nuanced understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major cause of" functions as a causal connector, linking a significant factor to its resulting effect or consequence. It identifies a key reason behind a particular situation, event, or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

30%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a major cause of" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression for establishing a causal relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It's most frequently employed in science and news media, signifying a notable factor contributing to a specific result. While alternatives exist, such as "a primary driver of" or "a significant factor in", the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. When using "a major cause of", ensure clarity and provide evidence to support the causal connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary driver of

Emphasizes the driving force behind an event or situation.

a significant factor in

Highlights the importance of the factor contributing to a result.

a key contributor to

Focuses on the contribution made to an outcome.

largely responsible for

Indicates a high degree of accountability for a particular result.

a leading reason for

Presents the reason as being at the forefront.

a central element of

Highlights that the element is essential.

a critical component of

Implies that the component is vital or crucial.

a substantial influence on

Suggests a considerable impact.

a notable reason behind

Draws attention to the reason being significant or worthy of notice.

a strong determinant of

Indicates that the reason plays a key role in determining an outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "a major cause of" to identify a significant factor that leads to a specific outcome or situation. For example, "Pollution is "a major cause of" respiratory illnesses."

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

You can use alternatives like "a primary driver of", "a significant factor in", or "a key contributor to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "one of the major causes of" instead of "a major cause of"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A major cause of" implies that the factor is a significant cause, while "one of the major causes of" suggests that there are multiple significant causes.

What's the difference between "a major cause of" and "the main reason for"?

"A major cause of" emphasizes the causal relationship, while "the main reason for" highlights the primary justification or explanation. "A major cause of" is often used in scientific or analytical contexts, while "the main reason for" can be used more broadly.