an underlying cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an underlying cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the root or fundamental reason behind a particular issue or phenomenon. Example: "The researchers identified an underlying cause for the sudden increase in health problems among the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But there's an underlying cause for it".

The New York Times

However, an underlying cause of diplopia is not always found.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Uneasiness about the situation with Iraq was again an underlying cause of the market's malaise.

The New York Times

The decline of home cooking worldwide, he said, is an underlying cause of obesity.

The New York Times - Food

But if there is surgery to correct an underlying cause in the bones, recovery could take four months.

The New York Times - Sports

The resulting frustration is an underlying cause of troubles from youth delinquency to religious extremism.

The Economist

Many, but not all, Alzheimer's researchers believe amyloid is an underlying cause of Alzheimer's.

The New York Times - Health

Some scientists extend that conceptualization and suggest that test anxiety is an underlying cause of those behaviours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many parents put their autistic children on strict gluten-free or dairy-free diets, convinced that gastrointestinal problems are an underlying cause.

The New York Times

At the international Aids conference in Durban, actor Charlize Theron spoke out on the racism that she says is an underlying cause of the HIV epidemic.

The Guardian

He recognised an element of opportunism in the mass looting but said an underlying cause was that many young people felt "trapped in the system".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an underlying cause", ensure you provide sufficient context to explain how the cause contributes to the observed effect or problem. Clearly articulate the connection to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an underlying cause" as the only cause if other factors are involved. Acknowledge potential contributing elements to provide a balanced and accurate analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the fundamental reason or motive behind a situation. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an underlying cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the fundamental or root reason behind an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse fields, ranging from news reporting and scientific research to formal business communication. Alternatives include "a root cause" and "a fundamental reason", each carrying slight nuances in emphasis. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide adequate context and avoid overstating its role to ensure accurate and balanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a root cause

Focuses on the origin of the issue.

a fundamental reason

Emphasizes the basic or essential explanation.

a primary driver

Highlights the main factor that propels something.

a basic reason

Highlights the simplicity and essentiality of a reason.

a key factor

Focuses on the most important element contributing to a situation.

a core motive

Emphasizes the central impetus behind an action or event.

an essential element

Highlights the indispensability of a contributing factor.

a hidden cause

Emphasizes that the cause is not immediately obvious or apparent.

the real reason

Focuses on identifying the actual cause behind something, potentially contrasting it with perceived causes.

the source of the problem

Highlights the origin from which a problem arises.

FAQs

How can I use "an underlying cause" in a sentence?

Use "an underlying cause" to introduce the fundamental reason or motive behind a situation. For example, "Poverty is "an underlying cause" of many social problems."

What's a good alternative to "an underlying cause"?

You can use alternatives like "a root cause", "a fundamental reason", or "a primary driver" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "an underlying cause"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the fundamental or less obvious reason behind a problem or phenomenon. It's useful in analytical and explanatory contexts.

Is there a difference between "an underlying cause" and "a direct cause"?

"An underlying cause" refers to a fundamental or less obvious reason, while "a direct cause" is the immediate and apparent reason for something. They differ in their level of immediacy and visibility.