causative mechanism

USAGE SUMMARY

"causative mechanism" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that brings about a particular effect or result. For example, "Cells respond to certain environmental cues via a causative mechanism, such as a signaling pathway."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This suggests that apoptosis is not the primary causative mechanism governing the hematopoietic cell abnormalities caused by the TERT deficiency.

Plosone

The main causative mechanism for hemorrhagic vocal polyps is acute or chronic mechanical phonotrauma to the microvasculature of the superficial layer of lamina propria (SLP).

BioMed Research International

The former is the main causative mechanism for the laminate studied in this paper.

Composite Structures

Severe stress, as may accompany the breakup of a marriage or the sudden loss of a loved one, can also precipitate hair loss, although Dr. Whiting said the causative mechanism was not known.

The New York Times - Health

Although our study does not provide a causative mechanism on how these metabolic changes arise or interact to drive disease pathogenesis, the current results suggest potential targets to study.

Nature

As a result of the observation that the primary defect in heart failure is decreased pump function, investigators have concentrated their efforts on determining systolic [Ca2+]i as a logical corollary and a causative mechanism for contractile dysfunction.

Harvard University

The investigation of the joint arthrokinematics of the trapeziometacarpal joint is critical to comprehend the causative mechanism underlying this common form of osteoarthritis.

Clinical Biomechanics

Although failure to achieve an adequate activated coagulation time (ACT) after full heparinization before cardiopulmonary bypass often is attributed to antithrombin (AT) deficiency, it remains unclear if this is a causative mechanism of decreased heparin responsiveness.

Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia

Active maternal smoking has adverse effects on neurobehavioral development of the offspring, with nicotine (Nic) providing much of the underlying causative mechanism.

Duke University

The causative mechanism of PAM has only recently been discovered, and involves a gene mutation of sodium phosphate co-transporter, which is expressed by alveolar epithelial cells.

Duke University

In addition, the occurrence of secondary warming in the thermosphere and its causative mechanism should be further investigated.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "causative mechanism", ensure that the context clearly establishes the relationship between the cause and the effect. Provide sufficient detail to explain how the mechanism operates.

Common error

Avoid using "causative mechanism" when the relationship between cause and effect is merely correlational or speculative. Ensure there is strong evidence to support a direct causal link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causative mechanism" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific process or factor responsible for bringing about a particular result or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its use to describe direct causal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

Academia

15%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "causative mechanism" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, particularly in scientific and academic contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to pinpoint the specific process or factor that leads to a particular outcome. Its primary function is to explain cause-and-effect relationships, emphasizing the underlying reasons behind phenomena. While alternatives like "underlying cause" and "mechanism of action" exist, "causative mechanism" specifically underscores the causal nature of the connection. When using this phrase, ensure that there is strong evidence of a direct causal link and avoid overstating causation based on mere correlation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying cause

Focuses on the fundamental reason or origin of something, shifting from the process to the source.

root cause

Emphasizes the primary or most fundamental reason that initiates a chain of events.

etiological factor

Uses a more formal, often medical, term for the cause of a disease or condition.

mechanism of action

Highlights the specific process by which something produces an effect, often used in pharmacology.

causal agent

Replaces 'mechanism' with 'agent', which emphasizes the entity responsible for the effect.

driving force

Implies a strong, compelling cause that propels an event or process.

reason for

A simpler way to express the cause or explanation for something.

source of

Highlights the origin from which something arises or is derived.

genesis

Refers to the origin or creation of something, often used in a more abstract or philosophical context.

underlying principle

Shifts the focus to the foundational rule or concept that explains why something happens.

FAQs

How can I use "causative mechanism" in a sentence?

Use "causative mechanism" to describe how a specific factor leads to a particular outcome. For example, "The "causative mechanism" of this disease involves a specific protein interaction."

What are some alternatives to "causative mechanism"?

You can use alternatives such as "underlying cause", "mechanism of action", or "etiological factor" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to identify the "causative mechanism" when describing an event?

While identifying the "causative mechanism" provides a deeper understanding, it's not always necessary. Sometimes, describing the correlation or the observed effect is sufficient, especially when the exact mechanism is unknown.

What's the difference between "causative mechanism" and "correlation"?

"Causative mechanism" implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship, whereas "correlation" simply indicates a relationship between two variables without proving causation. For instance, smoking has a "causative mechanism" in lung cancer development, but ice cream sales correlating with crime rates is just a correlation.