a significant cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing factors that contribute notably to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The researchers identified a significant cause of the decline in bee populations as the widespread use of pesticides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"This is a significant cause for concern".

The New York Times

"It will reduce a significant cause of pollution.

The New York Times

This was a significant cause in Robbie's death," he added.

The Guardian - Business

Nonetheless, traumatic brain injury is a significant cause of death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dr. Stamm's study found that chlamydia was a significant cause of the syndrome.

The New York Times

"Is it a significant cause of the present downturn?" Mr. Hormats asked.

The New York Times

Both Joseph and Yogeswaran said the ongoing military presence remains a significant cause of insecurity for minority communities.

The Guardian

Research by water utility Anglian Water revealed the disposal of "unflushable" sanitary pads as a significant cause of the problem.

The Guardian

"With financial problems also endemic among hospitals, and staff morale a significant cause for concern, the situation is now critical".

The Guardian

The general population largely agreed, with 68% saying poverty was a significant cause of the summer unrest.

The Guardian

Bankers' excessive risk-taking is a significant cause of this financial crisis and has contributed to others in the past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the context when using "a significant cause". In formal writing, it is appropriate, but in informal settings, you might opt for simpler alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant cause" when the factor in question has only a minor impact. Overstating the significance can weaken your argument and reduce credibility. Always accurately reflect the degree of influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant cause" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a notable factor contributing to a particular outcome or situation. Ludwig examples show its usage in identifying reasons for various phenomena, ranging from health issues to economic downturns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant cause" is a versatile phrase used to denote a noteworthy factor contributing to a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in science and news. To enhance clarity, support your claims with evidence and consider the context when choosing between this phrase and simpler alternatives like "major factor" or "important reason". Being mindful of overstating the significance ensures more credible and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major contributing factor

Replaces 'significant' with 'major' and adds 'contributing factor' for emphasis.

a notable factor

Employs 'notable' in place of 'significant', highlighting the factor's prominence.

a substantial reason

Uses 'substantial' instead of 'significant', indicating a considerable reason.

a primary reason

Substitutes 'significant' with 'primary', focusing on the main reason.

a leading driver

Substitutes 'cause' with 'driver', suggesting a factor that propels or motivates.

a noteworthy contributor

Uses 'noteworthy contributor' in place of 'significant cause', highlighting the factor's role in contributing to the result.

a key determinant

Replaces 'cause' with 'determinant', suggesting a factor that strongly influences an outcome.

an important element

Uses 'important element' instead of 'significant cause', broadening the scope.

a critical component

Replaces 'cause' with 'component', emphasizing the essential nature of the factor.

a central aspect

Employs 'central aspect' instead of 'significant cause', focusing on the core element.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant cause" to identify a major contributing factor to a particular situation. For example, "Pollution is "a significant cause" of respiratory illnesses".

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

Alternatives include "a major factor", "a primary reason", or "an important element", depending on the specific context you are describing.

Is it better to say "significant cause" or "major cause"?

Both "significant cause" and "major cause" are acceptable. "Significant" implies considerable influence, while "major" suggests a leading or principal role. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "a significant cause" be used for positive outcomes as well?

Yes, "a significant cause" can be used for both positive and negative outcomes. For example, "Increased funding was "a significant cause" of the project's success".