an array of causes

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

(Last week's hyped anti-Trump protest in Manhattan pushed an array of causes, among them the fifteen-dollar minimum wage. It fizzled).

The New Yorker

Since then, the organization has given away $34.5 billion to an array of causes, including efforts to eliminate HIV, malaria and many other infectious diseases.

Independent

But that vacuum was amply filled by pitchmen for an array of causes and commercial interests, all taking advantage of both the parade of taxpayers and the television cameras that are lured to the post office every April 15 the way negligence lawyers are to a screaming ambulance siren.

The New York Times

King, a bespectacled musician who grew up in Granite City, Illinois, a St . Louissuburb, has supported an array of causes over the years, including the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (a protest against the Shell Oil Company in Nigeria) and the Zapatistas, in Mexico.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He remained a musical activist, however, advocating an array of humanitarian causes, including HIV/AIDS awareness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Liberals have traditionally favoured immigration (including that of family members), and have doled out subsidies for an array of multicultural causes.

The Economist

Dr. Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsop, the medical epidemiologist who is overseeing the effort, said the agency was studying the prevalence of autism, demographic factors like race and ethnicity, an array of possible causes of the disorder and whether autism increases over time.

The New York Times

These genetic models offer the researcher an array of congenital causes of hearing impairment, and are therefore of high clinical relevance.

Hearing Research

He has spent more than $20 million, much of it on a super PAC attacking Hillary Clinton, along with millions more on groups that back an array of conservative causes.

Los Angeles Times

They and other -- "Keynesian" -- economists have suggested an array of possible causes for the US economy and others to display a propensity of aggregate demand shortfalls, in the sense that, as a result of structural conditions, aggregate spending would be enough to ensure full employment and use of potential output capacity only in the presence of negative real interest rates.

Huffington Post

Still, Dr. Young notes that when he first met Brady in 1912, the tycoon had an array of conditions caused or exacerbated by overeating: diabetes, cardiac disease, high blood pressure.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an array of causes", ensure that you provide specific examples to support your claim and enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "an array of causes" without providing any specific details. This can make your writing vague and unconvincing. Always aim to clarify what those causes are.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an array of causes" functions as a noun phrase that serves as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies that a situation or event is influenced by numerous factors. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an array of causes" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies multiple factors contributing to a specific outcome. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and suitable for various writing styles, ranging from neutral news reports to more formal academic analyses. When employing "an array of causes", remember to provide concrete examples to support your assertions and prevent vagueness. Semantically related alternatives include "a variety of factors" and "a multitude of reasons", offering nuanced ways to convey the idea of multiple contributing elements. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively utilize "an array of causes" to enhance clarity and depth in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of reasons

Emphasizes a large number of reasons, changing the noun.

a variety of factors

Replaces "array" with "variety" and "causes" with "factors", softening the intensity.

a range of contributing factors

Highlights the contributing nature of the factors involved.

several underlying reasons

Focuses on the reasons being fundamental or less obvious.

multiple reasons behind

A more direct way of expressing the existence of several reasons.

various causal agents

Introduces a more scientific and technical tone.

diverse influences

Shifts the focus to the different types of influences at play.

assorted sources of

Highlights the different origins or sources contributing to something.

combination of elements

Focuses on the combined effect of different elements.

complex web of determinants

Emphasizes the intricacy and interconnectedness of the determining factors.

FAQs

How can I use "an array of causes" in a sentence?

You can use "an array of causes" to indicate multiple contributing factors to an event or situation. For example, "The decline in sales was attributed to "an array of causes", including increased competition and changing consumer preferences".

What are some alternatives to saying "an array of causes"?

Alternatives to "an array of causes" include "a variety of factors", "a multitude of reasons", or "several underlying reasons", depending on the context.

Is "an array of causes" formal or informal?

"An array of causes" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What's the difference between "an array of causes" and "a single cause"?

"An array of causes" suggests multiple contributing factors, while "a single cause" indicates one primary reason. Using "an array of causes" implies a more complex and multifaceted explanation.