a root cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"a root cause" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to refer to the underlying cause of an issue. For example: "It is important to investigate the problem thoroughly in order to identify the root cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Education is a root cause.

The New York Times

Unemployment is a root cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

Poverty is frequently mentioned as a root cause.

The New York Times

These are just symptoms; external expressions of a root cause.

The Guardian - Sport

A root cause of the problem is education.

Harvard Business Review

Dysfunctional performance metrics are a root cause, experts say.

The New York Times

"The environmental damage and destruction of the water supply is a root cause".

The New York Times

His cuts to social care are a root cause of the A&E crisis.

The Guardian

Prohibition is a root cause of crime, violence and ill health.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Having a bimodal distribution requires an explanation and a root-cause analysis, not a cover-up".

The New York Times

I'm a root-cause resolution gal.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documentation include root cause analysis for any issues that are documented.

Common error

Avoid mistaking symptoms for the actual root cause. Addressing symptoms without identifying and resolving the underlying cause will only lead to recurring problems. Always dig deeper to find the fundamental issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a root cause" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the fundamental reason or origin of a problem or situation. It is often used to indicate the underlying factor that needs to be addressed in order to resolve an issue effectively. Ludwig provides many examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a root cause" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that identifies the fundamental reason behind a problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to analyze and explain the origin of issues, advocating for solutions that tackle core problems rather than superficial symptoms. It's prevalent in neutral to professional contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business domains. To use it effectively, ensure you're distinguishing between symptoms and underlying causes, and consider semantically similar alternatives like "underlying cause" or "fundamental reason" to enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying cause

Focuses on the cause that is not immediately obvious.

core cause

Highlights the central or most important cause.

fundamental reason

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature of the reason.

basic reason

Emphasizes the elementary or foundational explanation.

primary driver

Highlights the element that propels or initiates something.

principal factor

Stresses the leading or foremost element.

key factor

Indicates an important element contributing to a result.

central issue

Points to the core problem needing resolution.

mainspring

Implies a foundational element that drives activity or movement.

genesis

Refers to the origin or beginning, often implying causation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a root cause" to identify the underlying reason for a problem. For instance, "Poverty is "a root cause" of many social issues."

What phrases are similar to "a root cause"?

Similar phrases include "underlying cause", "fundamental reason", and "primary driver". The choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a root cause" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the fundamental and often non-obvious reason behind a problem or situation, especially in analytical or explanatory contexts.

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

A symptom is a visible sign of a problem, while "a root cause" is the underlying reason why the problem exists. Addressing symptoms alone won't solve the core issue, whereas tackling the root cause can lead to a lasting solution.