can cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"can cause" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that can bring about a particular effect or result. For example: "Exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can cause headaches.

The New York Times

This can cause conflict.

The New York Times

This can cause problems.

The New York Times

Can cause tears.

Independent

It can cause scarring.

The New York Times

This can cause confusion.

The New York Times

Fungal meningitis can cause strokes.

The New York Times

Even E10 can cause corrosion.

The Economist

This can cause anomalies, however.

The Economist

But stress can cause seizures.

The New York Times - Sports

Expensive hires can cause resentment.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can cause", ensure the link between the cause and effect is clear and logical to avoid ambiguity. Provide context or evidence if the causal relationship might not be immediately obvious to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "can cause" when the relationship between two things is merely a correlation. Overstating the strength of a causal link can weaken your argument and mislead readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can cause" functions as a linking verb indicating a potential causal relationship between two elements. It expresses that something has the ability or potential to bring about a specific result or consequence. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can cause" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a potential causal relationship between two things. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and natural for English. Its frequency is very common across diverse contexts, from news reporting and scientific publications to general advice wikis. When using "can cause", ensure that the connection between the potential cause and its effect is logical and clear to avoid any ambiguity for your audience. While very common, it's important to prevent overstating causation when merely a correlation exists. Alternatives like "may result in" and "could lead to" offer subtle variations in certainty and formality, allowing for more nuanced expression. Remember, while "can cause" is widely accepted, context is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may result in

This alternative suggests a possibility, similar to "can cause", but is often used in more formal or tentative contexts.

could lead to

This phrase implies a potential outcome, similar to "can cause", but offers a slightly weaker level of certainty.

might generate

This alternative suggests that something could produce or create a specific result. It's less direct than "can cause" and implies a more active process.

has the potential to create

This phrase is longer and more formal, emphasizing the inherent possibility for something to bring about a particular effect.

is liable to produce

This alternative suggests a higher probability of an outcome, indicating that something is likely to generate a specific result.

often triggers

This phrase implies that something frequently sets off a particular reaction or event, adding a sense of immediacy to the causation.

frequently precipitates

This is a more formal way to indicate that something often leads to a specific outcome, suggesting a quicker or more sudden onset.

sometimes engenders

This alternative implies that something occasionally gives rise to a particular feeling, situation, or condition, which is more nuanced than a simple cause-and-effect relationship.

may spark off

This alternative indicates that something could ignite or initiate a particular event or process.

is conducive to

This phrase describes how something contributes to a situation where an outcome is more likely, but it doesn't guarantee it.

FAQs

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

Use "can cause" to indicate a potential effect or result of something. For example, "Smoking "can cause" lung cancer" suggests smoking is a potential cause of the disease.

What can I say instead of "can cause"?

You can use alternatives like "may result in", "could lead to", or "might generate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can cause" or "may cause"?

Both "can cause" and "may cause" are grammatically correct and interchangeable. "Can cause" indicates a general possibility, while "may cause" implies a slightly lower probability.

What's the difference between "can cause" and "will cause"?

"Can cause" indicates a possibility, while "will cause" indicates a certainty. For example, "Neglecting your health "can cause" problems" suggests potential issues. In contrast, "Ignoring these warnings "will cause" immediate system failure" implies an inevitable outcome.