a second cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a second cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing causation, particularly in philosophy, science, or discussions about events and their origins. Example: "In the context of the experiment, we must consider a second cause that could have influenced the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A second cause is the emergence of the Bric countries.

The Guardian

A second cause of panic is the special character of the situation in which people find themselves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A second cause for the delay in evaluating the positive contributions of myth and legend to religious life is the theories of religion that have flourished since the time of the European Enlightenment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to the Office for National Statistics, four in five new posts are outside the capital.This points to a second cause for Tory optimism: the state of the opposition.

The Economist

Here is a second cause for concern.The Americans' uncritical support of Mexico may have helped to spread drugs corruption in that country over the past decade, as much of the power of the battered Colombian drugs cartels has moved into Mexico.

The Economist

A second cause of overshoot results from the definition of the depth-of-error to be removed.

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The harsher sanctions regime is a third cause of hunger.

The Guardian

There is a third cause that may be numerically very significant: definitional leap.

The New York Times

But, in Jimmy Cayne's outrageous bluster, Gladwell sees a third cause: overconfidence.

The New Yorker

Such a first cause is an important aspect, though not the entirety, of what Christianity means by God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A third cause is a lack of physical fitness, resulting in weak core muscles of the trunk.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When listing multiple causes, ensure clarity by using ordinal indicators such as "first", "second", and "third" to guide the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "secondary cause" when you specifically mean the second in a sequence. "Secondary" implies less importance, while "second" simply indicates order.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a second cause" functions as a noun phrase identifying an additional reason or factor contributing to a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as exemplified in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a second cause" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an additional contributing factor or reason. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase appears across various domains, from scientific literature to news articles, indicating its versatility and widespread acceptance. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the relationship between the different causes being discussed. While alternatives like "secondary cause" or "another reason" exist, "a second cause" is particularly useful when you want to emphasize that you are presenting the second factor in a sequence. This ensures clarity and helps the reader follow the logical flow of your explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

another reason

Emphasizes an alternative reason rather than specifically the second one.

a secondary factor

Similar to "a second cause" but stresses the factor rather than the reason

a further reason

Implies there are already reasons stated, adding one more without being numbered.

an additional factor

Focuses on the 'factor' aspect, broadening from just causes.

a subsequent cause

Emphasizes the time aspect (following the first).

a contributing element

Highlights the 'contribution' aspect, useful when multiple elements combine.

another contributing factor

Highlights the contributing nature along with providing an additional factor.

an alternative explanation

Shifts focus to 'explanation', implying a different perspective.

in addition

A more concise way to indicate another point or cause.

moreover

Introduces an additional point that supports or elaborates on a previous statement.

FAQs

How do I use "a second cause" in a sentence?

You can use "a second cause" to introduce an additional reason or factor contributing to a situation, following an initial cause. For instance, "The company's failure was due to poor management, and "a second cause" was the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to saying "a second cause"?

Alternatives include "another reason", "an additional factor", or "a contributing element" depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a secondary cause" or "a second cause"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "a second cause" indicates the order in a sequence of causes, whereas "a secondary cause" implies a lesser importance or impact. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the relationship between the causes.

Can "a second cause" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a second cause" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, including academic papers, reports, and business documents. It is a clear and direct way to introduce an additional factor influencing a particular outcome.