apparent cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apparent cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reason or explanation that seems to be true or obvious but may not necessarily be the actual cause of a situation. Example: "The apparent cause of the accident was the driver's distraction, but further investigation revealed other contributing factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Doctors found no apparent cause.

The New Yorker

The apparent cause was accidental drowning.

The New York Times

The apparent cause was suicide — a hanging.

The New Yorker

The apparent cause was pneumonia, her son Christopher said.

The New York Times

It may occur without apparent cause and tends to recur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The apparent cause was a stroke, said his wife, Barbara.

The New York Times

"If you have no apparent cause, you have to do further testing," she said.

The New York Times

He said the apparent cause of the blast was an improvised explosive device.

The Guardian

Which ones it will involve, and on what apparent cause, remains far from clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Dansgaard-Oeschger (or D-O) events, which occurred at irregular intervals, have no apparent cause.

The New Yorker

The Italian news media reported that the apparent cause was a heart attack.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apparent cause" to introduce a hypothesis or initial explanation, but be prepared to offer alternative or more comprehensive explanations if the initial cause proves insufficient.

Common error

Avoid treating the "apparent cause" as the definitive explanation without sufficient evidence. This can lead to overlooking other contributing factors or root causes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apparent cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a reason or explanation that seems evident but may not be the actual or complete explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apparent cause" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used noun phrase that introduces a seemingly obvious but potentially incomplete explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using "apparent cause", remember that it suggests a need for further inquiry rather than presenting a definitive answer. Consider alternatives like "seeming cause" or "ostensible reason" to fine-tune the meaning. Always avoid the error of assuming the "apparent cause" is the sole explanation without sufficient evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeming cause

Replaces "apparent" with "seeming", which emphasizes the provisional or potentially deceptive nature of the cause.

ostensible reason

Uses "ostensible" and "reason" instead of "apparent" and "cause", highlighting a publicly stated or presented reason that might not be the real one.

surface explanation

Focuses on the superficial nature of the explanation, suggesting it doesn't delve into deeper underlying factors.

outward cause

Emphasizes the external or visible nature of the cause, implying it might not be the whole story.

presented cause

Highlights that the cause is being presented or offered, possibly with an implication of it being strategically chosen.

purported reason

Uses "purported", suggesting the reason is alleged or claimed but not necessarily proven.

professed cause

Similar to 'presented cause', but emphasizing a declaration or avowal of the cause.

presumed reason

Indicates the reason is being assumed or taken for granted without concrete evidence.

superficial reason

Highlights the shallow nature of the reason, lacking depth or thorough investigation.

stated cause

Focuses on the act of stating the cause, without necessarily confirming its validity.

FAQs

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

You can use "apparent cause" to describe a reason for something that seems obvious but might not be the complete or accurate explanation. For instance, "The "apparent cause" of the failure was a software glitch, but further investigation revealed a hardware issue too."

What's a good alternative to "apparent cause"?

Alternatives include "seeming cause", "ostensible reason", or "surface explanation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "apparent cause" or "obvious cause"?

"Apparent cause" suggests a cause that appears to be true, while "obvious cause" implies a cause that is easily perceived or understood. "Apparent cause" leaves more room for doubt or further investigation.

What does it mean when something has no "apparent cause"?

It means that there is no readily visible or understandable reason for something. Further investigation or analysis may be needed to uncover the underlying reasons.