at the root of

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the root of" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the source, cause, or origin of a situation. For example: "Poverty lies at the root of countless social and economic issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is at the root of corruption".

The New York Times

Education is at the root of everything.

The Guardian

Money is at the root of this.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's also at the root of disenfranchisement.

The New Yorker

Then again, poverty isn't at the root of all adoptions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sykes-Picot lies at the root of all this anyway.

The Guardian - Opinion

So what is at the root of these trends?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Reimbursement is at the root of this problem".

The New York Times

"We have to strike at the root of violent extremism.

The Guardian

And what's at the root of that loss?

The Guardian - Books

The foot is at the root of poetry.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the root of", ensure you clearly identify what is being caused or influenced. For example, instead of just saying "X is at the root", specify "X is at the root of Y".

Common error

Avoid using "at the root of" in overly simple sentences where a more direct phrasing would be clearer. For example, instead of "Poor planning was at the root of the project's failure", try "Poor planning caused the project's failure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the root of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase. It specifies the origin, cause, or fundamental reason behind a particular situation or problem, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the root of" serves to pinpoint the origin or fundamental cause of a particular issue or situation. According to Ludwig, this prepositional phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse writing styles. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best to use it when you want to highlight a deeper, more fundamental cause, and avoid overuse in overly simple sentences. Consider using alternative expressions like "underlying cause of" or "fundamental reason for" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying cause of

Focuses more directly on the causal relationship.

fundamental reason for

Highlights the basic or essential explanation.

primary source of

Emphasizes the origin or beginning of something.

core of the matter

Identifies the central or most important aspect.

basic reason behind

Similar to fundamental reason, but slightly less formal.

originating factor in

Highlights the element that initiates or creates something.

driving force behind

Suggests a powerful cause that propels something forward.

genesis of

A more formal term referring to the origin or beginning.

the heart of the matter

Identifies the central or most crucial aspect.

lies in

More concise way of indicating where the source of something can be found.

FAQs

How can I use "at the root of" in a sentence?

Use "at the root of" to indicate the primary cause or origin of something. For example, "Miscommunication is "at the root of" many relationship problems".

What phrases are similar to "at the root of"?

Alternatives include "underlying cause of", "fundamental reason for", or "primary source of", which all emphasize the origin or cause of something.

Is it better to use "at the root of" or "the cause of"?

While both phrases indicate causation, "at the root of" often implies a deeper, more fundamental cause. "The cause of" is more general. The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of detail you want to convey.

Can "at the root of" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "at the root of" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in very informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "because of" or "due to" might be preferred.