be caused by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be caused by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the origin or reason for an event or condition, typically in a scientific or analytical context. Example: "The symptoms of the illness may be caused by a viral infection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ulcers, for example, now known to be caused by a bacterial infection, are accompanied by inflammation.

The New York Times - Health

Researchers have long debated whether the nerve disease may be caused by a viral infection.

The New York Times - Health

Sinkholes can also be caused by a dramatic reduction in ground water, says Cooper.

The Guardian

The damage that could be caused by a too intensively commercial tourism is obvious.

The Guardian - Travel

Our two most common deadly diseases should not be caused by a drug.

The New York Times

Aphasia can be caused by a head injury, a tumour, a stroke, or an infection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The inflammation may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There are symptoms, and they can be caused by a variety of things," she said.

The New York Times

The disease appears to be caused by a filterable virus and is especially contagious.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fetal hypoxia can be caused by a variety of factors.

Science Magazine

FHB could be caused by a number of Fusarium species.

Botanical Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be caused by a", ensure the sentence clearly identifies the cause and effect relationship. This is especially crucial in scientific writing or when providing explanations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two events occur together, one necessarily caused the other. "Be caused by a" should only be used when there is evidence to support a direct causal link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be caused by a" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect to its cause. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and frequent use. Examples demonstrate its role in explaining the origin of events, conditions, or phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be caused by a" functions as a causal connector, indicating the origin or reason behind a specific event or condition. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and very commonly used across various contexts, notably in science, news, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure a clear causal link is established. Remember to avoid the common error of assuming causation based solely on correlation. Consider alternatives like "result from a" or "be due to a" depending on the desired nuance. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's proper usage and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

result from a

This alternative replaces "be caused by" with "result from", focusing on the consequence or outcome of a particular factor.

be due to a

This option uses "be due to" in place of "be caused by", indicating that something is owed or attributable to a specific reason.

arise from a

This alternative replaces "be caused by" with "arise from", indicating the origin or source of something.

stem from a

Using "stem from" instead of "be caused by" emphasizes the origin or root cause of a situation or event.

originate from a

Replacing "be caused by" with "originate from" highlights the point of origin or beginning of something.

be attributed to a

Substituting "be caused by" with "be attributed to" suggests an assignment of cause or responsibility.

be a consequence of a

Using "be a consequence of" instead of "be caused by" stresses the result or effect of a specific action or event.

be triggered by a

Replacing "be caused by" with "be triggered by" implies that something is initiated or set off by a particular stimulus.

be the product of a

This alternative replaces "be caused by" with "be the product of", indicating that something is created or generated by a specific factor.

be brought about by a

This option uses "be brought about by" in place of "be caused by", suggesting that something is brought into existence or made to happen by a specific cause.

FAQs

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

Use "be caused by a" to indicate the origin or reason behind a specific event or condition. For example, "The flood was caused by a heavy rainfall".

What are some alternatives to saying "be caused by a"?

You can use alternatives like "result from a", "be due to a", or "stem from a" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "be caused by a" or "is due to a"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between "be caused by a" and "is due to a" often depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. "Be due to a" might imply a more direct or obvious cause.

What's the difference between "be caused by a" and "be associated with a"?

"Be caused by a" indicates a direct causal relationship, while "be associated with a" suggests a correlation or connection without necessarily implying causation.