as a contributory cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a contributory cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing factors that contribute to a particular outcome or event, often in academic or analytical contexts. Example: "The researchers identified several factors, including poor diet and lack of exercise, as a contributory cause of the rising obesity rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Or, more accurately, as a contributory cause.

The Economist

Lamb argued it was unfair for the WCRF to highlight meat as a contributory cause of bowel cancer when the main risk was to people who are generally unhealthy, for example by consuming too much food, alcohol or fizzy drink.

The Guardian

Ansell also cited the publication of a later kick-off time by some sections of the media as a contributory cause, but Villa fans were in unforgiving mood, particularly after their side lost 4-3 to an injury-time goal.

The Guardian - Sport

The kidnap and murder of the three teenagers, blamed by the Israeli government on Hamas, has now been used to justify mass arrests on the West Bank, as a contributory cause to the recent 50-day war in Gaza, and now one of the largest appropriations of land for settlement building in recent memory.

The Guardian

Investigators did not consider metal fatigue as a contributory cause.

Wikipedia

Although unmeasured confounding factors cannot be ruled out as a contributory cause of the increased long term risk of death, pneumonia could also be viewed as a marker of immune system frailty that may not be reflected by the CD4+ cell count.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Deaths were included for which breast cancer was given as the primary or a contributory cause on the death certificate.

British Journal of Cancer

Information about the pregnancy was recorded on the death certificate in six cases (three direct and three indirect maternal deaths) but this was not taken into account as an underlying or a contributory cause of death when the death was coded in the CDR.

Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica

The etiological fraction (EF) is defined as the fraction of exposed individuals with the disease for which the exposure was a contributory cause of the disease [[ 2]; chap.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The monies he lavished on it were a contributory cause of his business downfall.

The Guardian

Since 1991, 18 of the 35 people have died but no evidence that asbestos was a contributory cause has been offered and no link has been proven.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about how the factor contributes to the outcome. Instead of just stating "X is a contributory cause of Y", explain the mechanism or relationship between X and Y to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid presenting a contributory cause as the sole or primary reason for an outcome. This can lead to misinterpretations and weaken your argument. Always acknowledge other contributing factors for a balanced and accurate analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a contributory cause" functions as a causal connector, linking a factor to an outcome. It identifies something that contributed to, but isn't solely responsible for, a particular result. Ludwig confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a contributory cause" is a useful tool for expressing partial causality, identifying elements that contributed to an outcome without being solely responsible. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and illustrates its usage across diverse fields like science and news. The phrase leans toward formality, making it suitable for academic and professional contexts. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring that the contributory factor's relative importance is clear and other potential causes are acknowledged for balanced analyses. While alternatives exist, "as a contributory cause" serves well in analytical writing and scientific discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a contributing factor

Replaces "cause" with "factor", emphasizing a contributing element without necessarily being a direct cause.

as a contributing element

Similar to "as a contributing factor", focuses on the element aspect.

as a partial cause

Highlights that the cause is not the only one, but only partial.

as a causal agent

Highlights the element as an active force leading to an outcome.

as an underlying factor

Emphasizes the role of the element as a hidden or less obvious cause.

as a precipitating factor

Indicates a factor that triggered or hastened the occurrence of something.

as a determinant

Indicates a factor that strongly influences or determines an outcome.

as a secondary factor

Highlights the element as a supporting, but not primary, influence.

as an instrumental factor

Suggests the element was crucial or essential in bringing about a result.

as an auxiliary cause

Suggests a supporting or helping cause.

FAQs

How do I use "as a contributory cause" in a sentence?

Use "as a contributory cause" to indicate that something is one of several factors that contributed to a particular result. For example, "Poor diet, along with lack of exercise, was identified "as a contributory cause" of the patient's heart disease."

What are some alternatives to "as a contributory cause"?

Some alternatives include "as a contributing factor", "as a partial cause", or "as an underlying factor". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "as a contributory cause" and "as the primary cause"?

"As a contributory cause" suggests that something is one of several factors leading to a result, while "as the primary cause" indicates it is the main or most important factor. Using the wrong term can significantly alter the meaning of your statement.

Is it better to use "as a contributory cause" or "as a contributing factor"?

Both phrases are generally interchangeable, but "as a contributing factor" might sound less formal. "As a contributory cause" is often preferred in more analytical or scientific writing, while "as a contributing factor" is suitable in a wider range of contexts.