a wide range of causes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wide range of causes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing various factors or reasons that contribute to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The study identified a wide range of causes for the decline in bee populations, including habitat loss and pesticide use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

They have a wide range of causes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was a wide range of causes, including alcohol and drug abuse, suicide and natural causes.

The Guardian

I'm on your side.'" In the US, wristbands are being used to support a wide range of causes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There is a wide range of causes – it's not just enemy activity," he said of the high death rate.

The Guardian

Such community groups have flourished, with generous public support for a wide range of causes and ideas.

The Guardian

The visit to London is certain to meet protests from militants representing a wide range of causes, who are expected to congregate here.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

However, fewer studies have investigated the relationship between ambient PM2.5 and human mortality for a wider range of causes of death, or for more specific causes of death within these broader categories, especially at the high PM2.5 concentrations currently experienced in Chinese megacities.

Environment International

Divorce developed after the Reformation and was available for a wider range of causes and accessed by a much larger section of society than in England.

Wikipedia

For fibromyalgia there were also two meta-analyses that considered a wider range of causes of pain (besides fibromyalgia) than the index meta-analysis.

British Medical Journal

The second benefit of complementary therapy use was the provision of opportunities to explore a wider range of causes of asthma than usually discussed within their NHS care (see table 8).

BMC Health Services Research

Together, with his beloved wife, Marianne, he was a benefactor of a wide range of Jewish causes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wide range of causes", follow it with specific examples to provide clarity and context to your writing. For instance, "The decline in the species is due to a wide range of causes, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change."

Common error

Avoid using "a wide range of causes" as a vague placeholder without providing any specific examples or explanations. This can make your writing seem superficial and lacking in depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide range of causes" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It describes multiple reasons or factors contributing to a particular situation or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wide range of causes" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies multiple contributing factors to a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, from academic and scientific discussions to news reporting and general explanations. The expression is most commonly found in news and media sources, followed by scientific contexts. To enhance clarity, it's recommended to provide specific examples following the phrase. While alternatives like "a diverse set of factors" and "multiple underlying factors" exist, it is important to avoid vagueness by always including concrete examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad array of reasons

Changes 'wide range' to 'broad array' offering a different but synonymous way to express diversity in reasons.

a diverse set of factors

Replaces 'causes' with 'factors' and 'wide range' with 'diverse set', highlighting the variety of contributing elements.

various contributing elements

Focuses on the 'contributing' aspect, simplifying the phrase while maintaining the core meaning of multiple influences.

multiple underlying factors

Emphasizes that the factors are 'underlying', suggesting a deeper or less obvious set of reasons.

a multitude of influences

Uses 'multitude' to amplify the sense of a large number and 'influences' instead of 'causes'.

an assortment of determinants

Replaces 'causes' with 'determinants', implying factors that definitively shape an outcome.

a spectrum of contributing factors

Uses 'spectrum' to suggest a range of factors, similar to 'wide range', but with a slightly different nuance.

numerous causative agents

Introduces a more formal or scientific tone by using 'causative agents'.

several etiological factors

Presents a technical, often medical, alternative using 'etiological', which pertains to the cause or origin of a disease or condition.

a host of contributing elements

Employs "a host of" to convey the idea of many contributing elements.

FAQs

How can I use "a wide range of causes" in a sentence?

You can use "a wide range of causes" to indicate that multiple factors contribute to a specific outcome. For example, "The study identified "a wide range of causes" for the ecosystem's decline, including pollution, deforestation, and climate change".

What can I say instead of "a wide range of causes"?

You can use alternatives like "a diverse set of factors", "multiple underlying factors", or "various contributing elements" depending on the context.

Is it better to list specific causes instead of using "a wide range of causes"?

Listing specific causes is often more informative. However, ""a wide range of causes"" can be useful as a general statement, especially when followed by examples or a more detailed explanation.

What's the difference between "a wide range of causes" and "a single cause"?

"A wide range of causes" indicates multiple factors contributing to an outcome, whereas "a single cause" points to one specific factor being responsible. Using the correct phrase depends on the accuracy of your assessment of the situation.