a significant cause of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant cause of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing factors that contribute to a particular outcome or event, often in academic or analytical contexts. Example: "The researchers concluded that climate change is a significant cause of the increase in extreme weather events."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It will reduce a significant cause of pollution.

The New York Times

Influenza remains a significant cause of disease mortality.

Stanford University

Background: Herpesviruses are a significant cause of human morbidity.

Journal of Clinical Virology

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

Paramyxoviruses are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, especially in children and the elderly.

Stanford University

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients.

Stanford University

Firearm-related injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children.

Stanford University

It is thought to be a significant cause of nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients.

Stanford University

The levees are indeed a significant cause of the problem, but they aren't the only one.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant cause of", ensure that the subsequent noun phrase accurately reflects the impact or consequence being discussed. Provide context to clarify the extent and nature of the significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant cause of" without providing sufficient evidence or justification for the claim. Ensure that the cause-and-effect relationship is well-supported and that the term "significant" is warranted by the available data or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant cause of" functions as a causal connector, linking a factor or event to its resulting effect or outcome. It's used to identify something as an important reason why something else happens. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

31%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant cause of" is a frequently used phrase that serves to connect a particular factor to a notable outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly found in scientific, academic, and news-related contexts, it maintains a neutral-to-formal tone. When employing this phrase, ensure that the identified cause is adequately supported by evidence and that the impact is appropriately characterized. Alternatives such as "a major contributor to" or "a primary reason for" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major contributor to

Emphasizes the contributing aspect more strongly than the causative one.

a primary reason for

Focuses specifically on the reasoning or rationale behind an event or condition.

a key factor in

Highlights the essential or crucial element leading to a particular result.

a substantial driver of

Suggests a powerful force that propels or initiates a particular development.

an important element of

Indicates a noteworthy component within a larger context or system.

a notable source of

Emphasizes the origin or derivation of something, marking it as noteworthy.

a leading determinant of

Focuses on the decisive factor that influences a particular outcome.

a considerable influence on

Highlights the impacting force affecting a specific event or situation.

a prominent aspect of

Underlines a noticeable feature or characteristic that is contributory.

a critical component of

Stresses the indispensable nature of the component in achieving a particular outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant cause of" to highlight a major factor contributing to a particular outcome. For example, "Pollution is "a significant cause of" respiratory illnesses".

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

You can use phrases like "a major factor in", "a primary reason for", or "a key contributor to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a significant cause of" and "a major cause of"?

While both phrases indicate importance, "a significant cause of" emphasizes the impact or consequence, whereas "a major cause of" underscores the scale or extent of the causal factor. The choice depends on whether you want to stress the importance of the effect or the size of the cause.

Can "a significant cause of" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "a significant cause of" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in more informal contexts, you might opt for simpler alternatives like "a big reason for" for clarity.