but usually cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but usually cause" is not complete and lacks context, making it difficult to assess its correctness in written English.
It could be used in a sentence where you are discussing the typical effects or outcomes of a certain action or phenomenon, but it needs to be part of a larger, coherent statement. Example: "These chemicals are safe in small doses, but usually cause adverse reactions when taken in larger amounts."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Earthquakes frequently strike Taiwan, but usually cause little or no damage, particularly since more stringent building regulations were introduced following a magnitude-7.6 quake in 1999 that killed more than 2,300.

Independent

Enterococci are normal intestinal flora of humans, but usually cause infections when immunity of the host is compromised [ 3].

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Among the latest techniques is the sandwiching of a detainee between blocks of ice, a procedure that leaves no physical marks but usually causes a lung infection within days.

The New York Times

In some cases, it remains open but does not usually cause problems.

The Guardian

This might cause concern for outdoor leisure and gardening activities but isn't usually cause for an immediate panic.

WikiHow

Tornadoes are not uncommon, he said, but they do not usually cause this much damage.

The New York Times

They usually cause painful but nonlethal wounds, but can also be fatal.

The New York Times

The virus of poliomyelitis, for example, spreads easily in conditions of close contact (infection), but it usually causes no active disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Likewise, alcoholism is associated with but not usually caused (in men, at least) by depression, and alcoholism is associated with but not caused by self-indulgence, poverty, or neglect in childhood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bug that causes TB, infects one-third of the world's population, but it usually causes no harm.

Science Magazine

Divas usually cause headaches, but Mr. Baker keeps "The Mentalist" easy on the eyes and brain.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always consider if a more specific verb than "cause" might be appropriate to enhance precision. For example, "but usually result in", "but usually trigger", or "but usually lead to".

Common error

Avoid using "but usually cause" when the exception is so frequent that it undermines the initial statement's validity. Overusing this phrase can make your writing seem uncertain or contradictory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but usually cause" functions as a connector indicating an exception to a common outcome. It introduces a contrasting result that occurs less frequently than the typical one. Ludwig provides various examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but usually cause" serves as a connector that introduces an exception or contrast to a general trend. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its grammatical correctness, although its frequency is relatively low. While it appears in different contexts such as News & Media, Science and Wiki, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid overgeneralization. When using it, ensure you are providing a genuine exception and that you are not undermining the validity of your statement. The phrase is most effective when precision is a key factor in your writing. While the phrase is valid, consider alternatives that may be more precise or impactful for your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, they generally result in

Replaces "but usually" with a more formal "however, they generally", also replacing "cause" with "result in".

however, it generally produces

Replacing "but usually cause" with "however, it generally produces" focuses on a singular subject and its typical outcome.

yet, they typically lead to

Substitutes "but usually" with "yet, they typically", and "cause" with "lead to".

though, they often bring about

Replaces "but usually" with "though, they often", and "cause" with "bring about", providing a slightly less direct tone.

although, they commonly generate

Changes "but usually" to "although, they commonly", and "cause" to "generate", offering a more descriptive alternative.

nonetheless, they frequently trigger

Replaces "but usually" with "nonetheless, they frequently", and "cause" with "trigger", suggesting a more immediate reaction.

even so, they tend to produce

Substitutes "but usually" with "even so, they tend to", and "cause" with "produce", indicating a natural outcome.

despite that, they generally create

Changes "but usually" to "despite that, they generally", and "cause" to "create", offering a slightly more abstract alternative.

regardless, they regularly instigate

Replaces "but usually" with "regardless, they regularly", and "cause" with "instigate", implying a deliberate action.

still, they normally spark

Substitutes "but usually" with "still, they normally", and "cause" with "spark", suggesting a beginning or initiation.

FAQs

How can I use "but usually cause" in a sentence?

The phrase "but usually cause" is used to introduce an exception to a common outcome. For example, "Earthquakes frequently strike Taiwan, but usually cause little or no damage".

What are some alternatives to "but usually cause"?

Alternatives include phrases like "however, they generally result in", "yet, they typically lead to", or "although, they commonly generate", depending on the specific context.

Is "but usually cause" grammatically correct?

Yes, "but usually cause" is grammatically correct when used to introduce a contrast to a typical result. The word "but" introduces a contrast. The phrase can be part of a larger statement that is correct.

What's the difference between "but usually cause" and "but always cause"?

"But usually cause" indicates that the outcome is common but not guaranteed, while "but always cause" implies that the outcome is inevitable. The choice depends on the accuracy and strength of the connection you wish to convey.