be caused by

USAGE SUMMARY

'be caused by' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when discussing causation, or when explaining why something happened. For example, "The high rate of unemployment in the city is likely to be caused by economic policies implemented by the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can it be caused by stress?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Delay may be caused by Summer.

The New Yorker

Droughts can be caused by reduced precipitation.

The Guardian

In short, bad decisions can be caused by bad biology.

The Guardian

It can also be caused by severe malnutrition.

The Guardian

"Such simultaneous shutdowns cannot be caused by technical glitches".

The Guardian

Alfred's most extreme symptoms may be caused by his autism.

The New York Times

It was too early to be caused by volume.

The New York Times

It can be caused by wearing heels too often.

The New York Times - Style

Hay fever may be caused by pollen or frustration.

The New Yorker

The itching is also thought to be caused by histamine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be caused by", ensure the subject clearly identifies the effect or result, and the object specifies the direct cause. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two things occur together, one necessarily caused the other. Always verify that the purported cause directly leads to the effect you're describing when using "be caused by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be caused by" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect to its direct cause. Ludwig's examples showcase its widespread use in explaining why events occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be caused by" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for establishing causal relationships. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in science, news, and general explanations. While alternatives like "result from" and "arise from" exist, "be caused by" remains a direct and clear way to express causation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, making it a reliable choice for effective communication. Remember to ensure that the purported cause directly leads to the effect when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

result from

Changes the structure to focus on the outcome rather than the cause, using a different verb.

arise from

Implies a more gradual or natural development as a consequence.

stem from

Suggests the cause is a root or origin of something.

be attributed to

Formally assigns a cause or origin, often used in academic or investigative contexts.

be brought about by

Emphasizes the action that leads to a result, rather than a static cause.

be produced by

Highlights the creation or generation of something as a consequence.

originate in

Focuses on the place or source where something begins or is created.

be triggered by

Implies a specific event that initiates a series of actions.

be generated by

Similar to "be produced by", but often used in technical or scientific contexts.

be determined by

Indicates that the cause sets the limits or nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "be caused by" in a sentence?

Use "be caused by" to indicate the reason or origin of something. For example, "The accident was caused by the driver's negligence."

What are some alternatives to "be caused by"?

You can use alternatives like "result from", "arise from", or "stem from" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be caused by" or "is due to"?

Both "be caused by" and "is due to" can indicate causation, but "be caused by" is more versatile and can be used in a broader range of contexts. "Is due to" often implies a direct and immediate cause.

What's the difference between "be caused by" and "be affected by"?

"Be caused by" indicates a direct causal relationship, while "be affected by" implies influence without necessarily being the primary cause. For example, a disease can be caused by a virus but affected by environmental factors.