causative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "causative" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in linguistic contexts to describe a construction that indicates one entity causing another to perform an action. Example: "In English, the causative form can be seen in sentences like 'I had my car washed.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Derivational markers may combine, which makes it possible for a single verb to indicate repeated action (by what is called the iterative derivation of the verb), action caused to happen (the causative derivation), action affecting the subject (the reflexive derivation), or action mutually affecting subject and object (the reciprocal derivation).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ways of forming imperfectives were especially numerous and often involved, in addition to their imperfective aspectual meaning, some other notion, such as performing the action habitually or repeatedly (iterative), or causing someone else to perform it (causative).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The term itself is a derivative from saṃ + jñā, meaning 'to understand,'toto be aware of,' or more appropriately 'to make intelligible' or 'to cause to be understood,' thus indicating the causative function of perception predicates.

SEP

The treatment of obesity has two main objectives: removal of the causative factors, which may be difficult if the causes are of emotional or psychological origin, and removal of surplus fat by reducing food intake.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is possible, therefore, that apparently genetic diseases whose causative genes cannot be located really are heritable, but that the genes which cause them are bacterial.This is of more than merely intellectual interest.

The Economist

Löffler also discovered the cause of swine erysipelas and swine plague (1885) and, with Wilhelm Schütz, identified the causative organism of glanders, Pfeifferella (Malleomyces) mallei (1882).

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is reasonable to suggest that there may be other more complicated factors at play that contribute to both happiness and wealth, rather than a causative relationship between the two.

The Economist

They are comparing the mutations in many examples of each type, to find which are common to a type (and thus, presumably, causative) and which are mere accidents.

The Economist

As ever, the academics are at pains to point out that these variables are not causative, but simply proxies for the unobservable characteristics of startups.

The Economist

Working at the Robert Koch Institute for Infectious Diseases in Berlin (1890 1913), Wassermann and the German dermatologist Albert Neisser developed (1906) a test for the antibody produced by persons infected with the protozoan Spirochaeta pallida (now known as Treponema pallidum), the causative agent of syphilis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a preliminary test of that approach, scientists collected skin cells from a patient with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (an inherited disorder associated with certain types of lung and liver disease), reprogrammed the cells into stem cells, corrected the causative gene mutation, and then stimulated the cells to mature into liver cells.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the cause of a disease or condition, use "causative" to emphasize the agent directly responsible for the effect, ensuring clarity and precision in medical or scientific contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "causal" when "causative" is more appropriate. "Causal" refers to a relationship, while "causative" identifies the direct agent or factor that produces an effect. Use "causative agent" for what directly causes something.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "causative" primarily functions to attribute the quality of causing something to a noun. It specifies that the noun in question is directly responsible for producing a particular effect or outcome, aligning with Ludwig AI indication of correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

43%

Science

22%

News & Media

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "causative" functions as an adjective that designates something as the direct cause of an effect. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is correct and widely used in formal contexts such as encyclopedias, scientific research, and news reporting. The examples demonstrate its use in identifying agents responsible for specific outcomes, particularly in medical and linguistic contexts. Distinguishing "causative" from "causal" is essential for precise communication, especially in technical fields. Utilizing "causative" effectively can help improve clarity and accuracy in writing, focusing on the direct agent or factor producing a specific result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

causal

Adjective that refers to something that acts as a cause. It's less specific than "causative" which often implies direct causation or agency.

producing

Describes the act of bringing something into existence or causing something to happen.

inducing

Emphasizes the act of persuading or influencing something to occur.

generating

Focuses on the creation or production of something, often in a continuous or ongoing manner.

giving rise to

A phrase indicating the start or origin of something.

leading to

Implies a sequence where one thing directly results in another.

responsible for

Indicates accountability or being the primary factor behind an event or condition.

bringing about

Suggests intentional or direct action in causing an outcome.

instrumental in

Highlights the importance of something as a key factor in achieving a result.

originating

Relates to the starting point or source from which something begins.

FAQs

How is the word "causative" typically used?

The word "causative" is typically used as an adjective to describe something that acts as a cause, particularly in contexts like linguistics (e.g., a causative verb) or medicine (e.g., the causative agent of a disease).

What's the difference between "causative" and "causal"?

"Causative" specifies something that directly causes an effect, like the "causative agent" of a disease. "Causal", on the other hand, relates more broadly to the relationship of cause and effect.

Can you provide an example of "causative" in a sentence?

Sure, here is an example: "Identifying the "causative" gene mutation is crucial for developing effective gene therapies."

What are some alternative words to "causative" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "causal", "producing", or "inducing", although these may have slightly different connotations.