a multitude of causes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a multitude of causes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing various reasons or factors contributing to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The decline in bee populations can be attributed to a multitude of causes, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"There are a multitude of causes.

The Guardian

Autism is now considered a spectrum of brain disorders with a multitude of causes.

The Washington Post

He also supported a multitude of causes, especially those involving the environment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perhaps not surprisingly, the worst depression ever experienced by the world economy stemmed from a multitude of causes.

Britannica

Still, companies like American Home Products have their work cut out for them, especially as they take on unusually complex diseases that may have a multitude of causes, like Alzheimer's.

The New York Times

Edward Carpenter, alias the Saint in Sandals, the Noble Savage and, more recently, "gay godfather of the British left", was a writer, philosopher and charismatic propagandist for a multitude of causes, including anti-pollution, women's liberation, naturism, vegetarianism, animal rights, smallholdings, recycling.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Preterm birth (PTB), a leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity, has a complex etiology with a multitude of interacting causes and risk factors.

Environmental Health Perspectives

It was the motivation that drove her as a businesswoman, that propelled her into politics and sustained her tireless pursuit of a multitude of worthy causes.

The Guardian

Understanding how to mitigate the present black white obesity disparity in the United States is a complex issue, stemming from a multitude of intertwined causes.

Annals of Epidemiology

In today's oft-dark and dreary age, artists and regular folk alike are constantly working to come up with new and creative ways to raise money for a multitude of important causes.

Vice

Dyspigmentation of the oral mucosa has a multitude of aetiological causes.

BMC Oral Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a multitude of causes", be specific by providing examples or categories to illustrate the range of factors involved. This will give your writing more clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that "a multitude of causes" exists without elaborating on what those causes are. This can weaken your argument and leave the reader wanting more concrete information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a multitude of causes" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It indicates that a situation or phenomenon is the result of numerous contributing factors rather than a single, isolated reason, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a multitude of causes" is a versatile expression used to convey that a situation arises from numerous contributing factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific examples to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "various contributing factors" or "numerous underlying reasons" can add variety to your writing. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and always support your statement with concrete information to make your argument more compelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

various contributing factors

Emphasizes the different elements that play a role.

numerous underlying reasons

Highlights the many reasons that are not immediately obvious.

many causal elements

Focuses on the different elements that result in a specific outcome.

a wide array of reasons

Implies a diverse and extensive set of reasons.

several contributing factors

Indicates a limited number of factors playing a role.

diverse range of causes

Highlights the variation and breadth of the causes.

multiple origins

Highlights the different beginnings or sources of something.

a host of reasons

Suggests a large, almost overwhelming number of reasons.

various sources of influence

Emphasizes the diverse points from which something originates.

a complex web of factors

Focuses on the intricate and interconnected nature of the causes.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a multitude of causes" in a sentence?

Start by introducing the phenomenon or situation, and then use "a multitude of causes" to indicate that there are many contributing factors. Follow this with specific examples to strengthen your explanation.

What are some alternatives to using "a multitude of causes"?

You can use alternatives like "various contributing factors", "numerous underlying reasons", or "diverse range of causes" to vary your language.

Is it better to list all causes instead of saying "a multitude of causes"?

It depends on the context. If you can comprehensively list all the causes, that's ideal. However, if the causes are too numerous or complex to fully detail, using "a multitude of causes" followed by a few key examples can be more effective.

When is it appropriate to use "a multitude of causes" in academic writing?

It's appropriate when you need to acknowledge the complexity of a situation and that many different factors are at play, but you don't have the space or need to list every single cause exhaustively. Be sure to provide some examples to support your statement.