a substantial cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the significance or importance of a particular factor in relation to an outcome or effect. Example: "The researchers concluded that a substantial cause of the decline in bee populations is the use of pesticides."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The court also finds that the state's actions are a substantial cause of this constitutional violation.

The New York Times

Never before can I recall the police being alleged to be a substantial cause of mass deaths.

The Guardian - Sport

Lawyers for the bereaved threatened a judicial review, saying it was only necessary to prove management negligence was "a substantial cause".

The Guardian

In the outline of submissions filed on behalf of the minister, the Australian government solicitor explains that the minister did not think the burning of the coal "would be a substantial cause of climate change effects" and would have "no impact on matters of national environmental significance".

The Guardian

When enough of them moved out, or fell on hard times, it was a substantial cause of a series of municipal bankruptcies – as a result of which a number of Californian cities are no longer able to pay the pensions of former state employees.

The Guardian

Gunshot injuries are a substantial cause of vascular damage in the civilian population worldwide.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Inherited diseases caused by unstable repeated DNA sequences are rare, but together represent a substantial cause of morbidity.

The Lancet Neurology

In Africa, forest degradation represents a substantial cause of forest carbon loss, typically carried out for fuel wood collection, charcoal production and expansion of small scale agriculture [14].

Carbon Balance and Management

Despite reductions in youth pedestrian and bicyclist deaths over the past two decades, these injuries remain a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality for children and adolescents.

Injury Epidemiology

Of HIH's $3.2 billion hole, FAI's share may turn out to be as much as $600 million–"probably a substantial cause of the collapse," said panel lawyer O'Bryan.

Forbes

All of these, not only because they have the imprimatur of WHO but also because their content is compelling, enter the consciousness of politicians, bringing awareness to them of headache as a substantial cause of public ill-health [15].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial cause", ensure the context clearly demonstrates a direct relationship between the cause and the effect being discussed. Avoid vague or unsupported claims of causation.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a substantial cause" as the only cause if other factors are also at play. Acknowledge the complexity of causation by using qualifiers like 'one of the substantial causes' or 'a substantial contributing factor'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial cause" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies something as a significant reason or factor for a particular outcome, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantial cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a significant reason or factor contributing to a particular outcome. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase appears across various contexts, notably in science, news media, and formal business settings, showing its versatility. When employing this phrase, make sure that there is a clear causal relationship between the identified cause and the observed effect. It is wise to avoid overstating the importance and omitting other contributing factors, as that may misrepresent the complexity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant factor

Replaces 'cause' with 'factor', emphasizing the influence rather than direct causation; slightly weaker.

a major contributing factor

Highlights the contribution aspect, suggesting it's one of several factors; slightly more descriptive.

a primary reason

Focuses on the reasoning behind something, implying a more deliberate or logical connection; a shift in focus.

a key element

Emphasizes the essential nature of the cause, suggesting it is fundamental to the outcome; a metaphorical shift.

a critical component

Similar to 'key element', highlighting the necessary role in a larger system or process; a slightly more technical term.

an important determinant

Suggests the cause strongly influences or decides the outcome; more formal and scientific.

a considerable influence

Shifts from direct causation to a more indirect effect or impact; less direct.

a notable contributor

Similar to 'major contributing factor' but slightly less emphatic; a subtle difference in intensity.

a powerful driver

Implies the cause is a strong force behind something, actively propelling it; a more dynamic metaphor.

a leading source

Focuses on the origin or starting point of something, rather than its overall impact; a shift in perspective.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantial cause" to indicate a significant factor that contributes to a particular outcome or situation. For example, "The researchers found that pollution was "a substantial cause" of the river's declining fish population."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial cause"?

Alternatives include "a significant factor", "a major contributing factor", or "a primary reason", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the substantial cause" instead of "a substantial cause"?

While grammatically possible, using "the substantial cause" implies that there is only one major cause, which might not always be accurate. "A substantial cause" acknowledges that there may be other contributing factors as well.

What is the difference between "a substantial cause" and "a contributing factor"?

"A contributing factor" suggests that something is one of several influences, while "a substantial cause" implies that it is a major, significant influence. The difference lies in the degree of impact.