cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause" is correct and usable in written English, particularly as a colloquial abbreviation of "because." It can be used in informal contexts, such as casual conversations or text messages, where brevity is preferred.
Example: "I didn't go to the party cause I was feeling sick."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

The New York Times

This can cause problems.

The New York Times

While some may say the changes in England have so far only been at the margins, it is the risk of a slippery slope that should cause concern.

The Guardian

"They are very determined and say they believe the cause they are protesting about is so important that they are prepared to be arrested.

The Guardian

The loyalist institution appealed for a peaceful response to the decision: "Any violence will only undermine our cause.

The Guardian

And that could sink the anti-EU cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

As for fundamentalist Christian grievances with the school system – perceived as godless and unfriendly to their evangelical cause – Boston pointed out the "incredible mission field" that would be America's public school students.

The Guardian

The prime minister will not get a substantive renegotiation of the UK's terms of membership before 2017, so the referendum question will not be about his supposed diplomatic triumph but rather: "Do you want to stay in the present EU, with all its deficiencies and problems?" The referendum will cause grave financial and economic instability and make the UK a laughing stock across the globe.

The Guardian

It is Labour that might have cause to fret.

The Guardian

"Even though we know it's all about temperament, how you deal with pressure, we do very little about it".There are plenty of theories – and scientific disagreements - as to the cause of depression, many of them too medical to mention here.

The Guardian - Sport

This week's events have exposed the unresolved divisions in the party, and the determination in conservative ranks not to abandon an issue they believe is central to their cause.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "reason", "source", or "origin" to enhance the specificity and impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "cause" as a colloquial substitute for "because" in formal writing. While acceptable in informal conversation, it's essential to maintain proper grammatical structure in professional or academic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "cause" functions primarily as a noun denoting the reason or origin of something, or as a verb meaning to bring about or produce an effect. Ludwig highlights examples where "cause" is used in both capacities, such as "the cause of the accident" and "the lightning caused thunder."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Politics

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, predominantly used to denote the origin or reason behind an event or to describe the act of bringing something about. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct, though its informal usage as a substitute for "because" should be avoided in formal writing. Predominantly found in news, sports, and political contexts, it maintains a generally neutral register. To enhance clarity, specify the effect when using "cause" as a noun, and consider synonyms like "reason" or "source" for added precision. As Ludwig AI highlights, understanding these nuances ensures effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for

Focuses on the explanation or justification behind an event or action.

source of

Highlights the origin or starting point of something.

root cause

Emphasizes the fundamental or underlying factor contributing to an issue.

give rise to

Indicates the act of generating or producing a particular outcome.

bring about

Implies actively making something happen.

contributing factor

Suggests one of several elements that influence a result.

reason why

Specifically asks for an explanation.

motivating factor

Focuses on the element that incites or drives action.

the reason

Directly refers to the explanation or justification.

set off

Describes triggering or initiating an event or action.

FAQs

How can I use "cause" in a sentence?

You can use "cause" as a noun, referring to the reason for something (e.g., "The "cause of the fire" was arson"), or as a verb, meaning to make something happen (e.g., "The rain can "cause flooding"").

What are some synonyms for "cause"?

Synonyms for "cause" include "reason", "source", "origin", "basis", "motive", and "impetus". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "cause" instead of "because" in writing?

While "cause" is sometimes used colloquially for "because", this is not considered grammatically correct in formal writing. Use "because" or synonyms like "since" or "as" instead.

What is the difference between "cause" and "effect"?

"Cause" refers to what makes something happen, while "effect" refers to the result of that cause. For example, "The "cause was the storm", and the "effect was flooding"".