a singular cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to one specific reason or factor that leads to a particular outcome or event. Example: "The researchers concluded that a singular cause was responsible for the sudden decline in the population of the species."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But even before the escalation of insider killings by Afghan forces, the Afghan Local Police program had been a singular cause of concern.

The New York Times

"It we could unite them around a singular cause, we could have an army," he said.

Huffington Post

The multitude of interconnected factors at play make it altogether impossible to pinpoint a singular cause of the affordability crisis in San Francisco.

Huffington Post

I learned that IC doesn't have a singular cause or set of symptoms; it's a catch-all term for chronic bladder pain.

Vice

Clostridia species are gram-positive anaerobic rods and typically can form endospores. Some Clostridia species, including Clostridium tetani, C. botulinum, and C. perfringens, are well-known pathogens that are often isolated as a singular cause of infectious disease, and C. difficile is responsible for antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis.

Gut Microbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Lower back pain is a complex condition, influenced by a number of factors and often a challenge when trying to identify any singular cause or even a single major factor [ 2].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Of course, a doll isn't the singular cause of anyone's eating disorder or obsession with juice cleanses or extremely high hair salon bill.

Huffington Post

Are the different cases united with a singular original cause, or not?

The New York Times

They lack a singular rallying cause but have a portfolio of protest issues, from global trade to capital punishment to animal rights.

The New York Times

Linear thinking doesn't help because problem solving tends to assume that there is a singular root cause.

Huffington Post

As such, there is unlikely to be a singular initiating cause for the erosion in learning and memory function that occurs.

Aging Cell

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular cause" when you want to emphasize that there is one, and only one, primary reason for something, distinguishing it from situations with multiple contributing factors. For instance, "The investigation revealed a singular cause for the accident: faulty equipment."

Common error

Avoid using "a singular cause" when multiple factors contribute to an outcome. Overstating the singularity can lead to misrepresentation or oversimplification of complex situations. Instead, consider phrases that acknowledge multiple influences if they exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific, unique reason or factor responsible for a particular outcome. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a singular cause" is used to indicate a single, primary reason for a particular event or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. While the phrase is relatively rare, it effectively emphasizes exclusivity and is found in both news and scientific domains. When using "a singular cause", ensure that the context truly reflects a single dominant factor to avoid oversimplification. Alternatives such as "a sole cause" or "the only cause" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sole cause

Replaces "singular" with "sole", emphasizing exclusivity in causality.

a unique reason

Substitutes "cause" with "reason", softening the tone while maintaining the concept of uniqueness.

the only cause

Uses "only" to highlight the single, exclusive nature of the cause.

a primary reason

Replaces "singular" with "primary", focusing on the main or most important reason.

a key factor

Shifts the focus to a significant element or influence, rather than a direct cause.

a major contributor

Highlights the significant role of a particular factor in contributing to an outcome.

a distinct factor

Emphasizes the clear and separate nature of a contributing element.

a peculiar cause

Indicates an unusual or odd reason for something, adding a sense of intrigue.

a specific cause

Highlights a particular or defined reason, removing ambiguity.

the main impetus

Focuses on the driving force or initial motivation behind an event.

FAQs

How to use "a singular cause" in a sentence?

You can use "a singular cause" to emphasize that a specific event or outcome resulted from only one primary factor. For example, "The doctor identified a singular cause for the patient's illness: a rare genetic mutation."

What can I say instead of "a singular cause"?

You can use alternatives like "a sole cause", "a unique reason", or "the only cause" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a singular cause" when there are multiple contributing factors?

No, "a singular cause" should only be used when one factor is overwhelmingly responsible. If multiple factors contribute, consider using phrases like "several contributing factors" or "a combination of causes".

What's the difference between "a singular cause" and "a primary cause"?

"A singular cause" implies there is only one cause, while "a primary cause" suggests there may be other causes, but one is the most important or influential. Therefore, "a primary cause" isn't exclusive.