big cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big cause" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to an important or meaningful cause that is having a major impact or effect. For example, "The fight for equal pay is a big cause that many women are currently fighting for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a big cause of pneumonia.

The New York Times - Science

That's unfair; the economy's deterioration was a big cause.

The Washington Post

But are books a particularly big cause of global warming?

The Guardian - Opinion

The second big cause is an investment slump.

The New York Times

Bad ballot design requirements are clearly a big cause of this, as is voter education".

The New York Times

Overloaded intersections cause lots of noise and pollution, and are a big cause of traffic delay.

The Economist

"The reactors are stable, which should resolve one big cause of concern for us all".

The New York Times

Since a big cause of Europe's high unemployment is high labour taxes, it is doubly damaging.

The Economist

Second, sluggish demand overseas is a big cause of the deficit, so it is reversible.

The Economist

A big cause of food-price rises is trade bans by exporters.

The Economist

That response has been a big cause of the declining influence of environmentalists in Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "big cause", ensure the context clearly establishes the significance of the cause being discussed. Quantify the impact if possible to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "big cause" as a generic placeholder. Always ensure you provide specific details to support why the cause is indeed significant, otherwise, consider using more neutral language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big cause" functions as a noun phrase, where "big" modifies the noun "cause". Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct. It is used to identify a reason or factor of considerable significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "big cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a significant reason or factor contributing to an outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its prevalence spans across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains. While versatile, it's advisable to ensure the context justifies the emphasis implied by "big", and to consider more formal alternatives in certain settings. Top sources like The New York Times and The Economist frequently employ the phrase, underlining its acceptance in authoritative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Major reason

Emphasizes the importance of the reason but is slightly more straightforward than "big cause".

Central reason

Highlights that the reason is at the core of the situation, implying indispensability.

Significant factor

Highlights the contribution of a particular element, suitable for more formal contexts.

Principal factor

Similar to 'significant factor' but carries a slightly stronger emphasis on importance.

Primary driver

Focuses on the force that propels something, often used in business or economics.

Leading contributor

Indicates a key element that adds to a result, often used when discussing statistics or research.

Key determinant

Stresses the decisive nature of the cause, implying it strongly influences the outcome.

Dominant force

Suggests an overwhelming influence, often used in discussions of social or political change.

Main source

Points to the origin from which something arises, useful when identifying the root of a problem.

Prime mover

Implies the initial or most active agent in bringing about a result, often used in philosophical or historical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "big cause" in a sentence?

You can use "big cause" to describe a significant reason or factor contributing to a specific outcome. For example: "A "big cause" of the company's success was its innovative marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "big cause"?

Alternatives include "major reason", "significant factor", or "primary driver", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "big cause" in formal writing?

While "big cause" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "principal factor" or "key determinant" in highly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What makes a cause qualify as a "big cause"?

A "big cause" is typically characterized by its substantial impact or influence on a situation, event, or outcome. The scale of its effect is what differentiates it from a minor or inconsequential cause.