be the main cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be the main cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the primary reason or factor behind an event or situation. Example: "The recent changes in policy may be the main cause of the decline in sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor can demography be the main cause.

The Economist

Obesity does not seem to be the main cause either.

The Economist

Poorly prepared teachers seem to be the main cause.

The Economist

The mutated gene is known to be the main cause of piebald patterns.

The Guardian

(iii) These wind-induced vibrations are thought to be the main cause of the fatigue crack.

Engineering Structures

Lithium inventory loss was found to be the main cause for the capacity loss.

Electrochimica Acta

Anxiety seems to be the main cause, but muscle weakness may contribute.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Joint instability was believed to be the main cause of osteoarthritis following non-fracture articular trauma.

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to be the main cause of death among trauma patients.

Journal of Critical Care

Crustal shortening ought to be the main cause of earthquakes in the Apennines, too, but it isn't.

The New Yorker

Prosecutors say the milky substance was propofol, which authorities deemed to be the main cause of Jackson's death.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be the main cause", ensure that you provide sufficient evidence to support your claim. Avoid overstating the cause without considering other contributing factors.

Common error

Avoid using "be the main cause" when multiple factors contribute to an outcome. Instead, acknowledge the complexity and describe the primary cause among several contributing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be the main cause" functions as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that identifies or describes it. It specifies the primary factor responsible for a given outcome or situation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be the main cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the primary factor responsible for an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in scientific and news contexts. When employing the phrase, provide adequate evidence and consider potential oversimplification. Semantically similar alternatives include "be the primary driver" and "be the principal reason". Overall, "be the main cause" serves as a clear and direct means of identifying key causal factors in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be the primary driver

Focuses on the driving force behind an event, emphasizing initiation and momentum.

be the principal reason

Highlights the rationale or justification, shifting the emphasis from causality to explanation.

be the leading factor

Emphasizes influence and contribution, suggesting a prominent but not necessarily exclusive role.

be the major contributor

Stresses the significance of the contribution, often among other contributing factors.

be the root of the problem

Identifies the fundamental source, implying a deeper underlying issue.

be the key reason

Highlights the importance of the specific cause, presenting it as fundamental to the result.

be fundamentally responsible

Emphasizes accountability and the basic nature of the causation.

underlie the situation

Focuses on the foundational aspect that influences or determines the course of events.

be the central factor

Suggests that it is at the core of, or is the most important element in, a situation.

be the critical determinant

Indicates that the cause is a decisive factor that strongly influences the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "be the main cause" in a sentence?

Use "be the main cause" to indicate the primary factor responsible for a particular outcome. For example, "The lack of funding may "be the main cause" of the project's failure".

What are some alternatives to "be the main cause"?

You can use alternatives like "be the primary driver", "be the principal reason", or "be the leading factor" depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "be the main cause" in formal writing?

Yes, "be the main cause" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and direct way to indicate the primary factor responsible for a particular outcome, as shown in examples from The Economist and other reputable sources.

What's the difference between "be the main cause" and "be a contributing factor"?

"Be the main cause" implies that something is the primary reason for an outcome, while "be a contributing factor" suggests it is one of several reasons. Use "be the main cause" when one factor is predominantly responsible.