as a possible cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"as a possible cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are discussing the possible causes of an event or phenomenon. For example, "Experts are investigating the cause of the outbreak of the virus, with environmental factors such as air pollution cited as a possible cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Officials ruled out terrorism as a possible cause.

The New York Times

Even sunspots had been proposed as a possible cause.

The New York Times

Rising numbers of badgers, their natural predator, have also been cited as a possible cause.

The Guardian

Gold-mining was initially touted as a possible cause, but where are the gold-miners?

The Guardian

Fire officials said they were investigating her smoking as a possible cause of the fire.

The New York Times

He points to the change in housing benefits as a possible cause.

The Guardian

The insect was prevalent this spring and its excrement is being studied as a possible cause.

The New York Times

We never completely rule out random chance as a possible cause of any result we see.

The New York Times

The official said that anthrax, which can cause a skin rash, had been ruled out as a possible cause.

The New York Times

A local doctor cited a nerve or chemical agent as a possible cause, but other officials discounted that.

The New York Times

As a possible cause a change in the precursor to the nanoparticles is suggested.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting multiple potential causes, use "as a possible cause" to introduce one of them without implying it is the definitive reason. This allows for a balanced and objective analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "as a possible cause" when evidence strongly suggests another factor is the primary reason. Overusing this phrase can weaken your argument by implying uncertainty where it is unwarranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a possible cause" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, introducing a potential explanation or reason for a particular event or phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a possible cause" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a potential reason or explanation for an event, without definitively stating it as the sole or primary cause. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is both grammatically sound and widely employed. Its usage spans various domains, including science and news media, indicating its adaptability. When using this phrase, remember to present it as one of several potential explanations and avoid overstating its significance. Alternatives such as "as a potential factor" or "as a likely reason" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis. In conclusion, mastering the nuances of "as a possible cause" will help you communicate with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a potential factor

Replaces "cause" with "factor", broadening the scope of influence without necessarily being the sole reason.

as a conceivable explanation

Substitutes "possible" with "conceivable" and "cause" with "explanation", emphasizing the plausibility of the reason.

as a likely reason

Indicates a higher probability than "possible", suggesting the cause is more probable.

as a potential source

Focuses on the origin or starting point rather than the direct reason.

as one potential reason

Emphasizes that it's one of several potential reasons, not necessarily the only one.

as a hypothetical factor

Highlights the speculative nature of the cause, indicating it's still unproven.

as a suggested factor

Indicates that the cause has been proposed but not definitively confirmed.

as an alleged cause

Suggests the cause is claimed but may be disputable or unproven.

as a contributory factor

Indicates that the cause is one of several factors contributing to the outcome.

as a suspected origin

Shifts focus to the initial point from which something may have arisen, rather than the cause itself.

FAQs

How can I use "as a possible cause" in a sentence?

Use "as a possible cause" when you want to introduce a potential explanation for an event or phenomenon. For instance, "The decrease in sales is being investigated, with the economic downturn cited as a possible cause".

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

You can use alternatives like "as a potential factor", "as a likely reason", or "as a conceivable explanation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "as a possible cause" or "as the possible cause"?

Use "as a possible cause" when presenting one of several potential reasons. "As the possible cause" suggests it is the primary or most likely reason, which requires stronger evidence.

What is the difference between "as a possible cause" and "as a probable cause"?

"As a possible cause" suggests a potential explanation, while "as a probable cause" implies a higher likelihood or stronger evidence. The latter indicates more confidence in the explanation.