cause a catastrophe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause a catastrophe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing events or actions that lead to significant disasters or crises. Example: "The negligence of the construction team could cause a catastrophe if safety measures are not implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It didn't cause a catastrophe.

The New York Times - Science

If one were to hit the wrong part of the planet it would cause a catastrophe.

The Economist

Either that or every time you decide to publish a new humor anthology, you cause a catastrophe.

The New Yorker

I sometimes felt as if the whole population were holding its breath, afraid to exhale and cause a catastrophe.

The New Yorker

With leftists promising unrest, President Calderón warned last week that ignoring the company's problems would cause a catastrophe.

The New York Times

Large numbers of people in Darfur are completely dependent on humanitarian aid and so this could cause a catastrophe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Trump has caused a catastrophe.

The Washington Post

"My decision caused a catastrophe in my life.

The Guardian - Film

"When Cisco hit a blip, it caused a catastrophe among so many other companies".

The New York Times

The police took him before Judge Thompson tonight and charged him with the hate crime, five counts of aggravated assault, one count of arson, a firearms violation and one count of causing a catastrophe.

The New York Times

When my husband and I started renovating my father's house after he passed away, the plumber and electrician were dumbfounded that the house's pipes and electrical wiring hadn't caused a catastrophe -- duct tape was everywhere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause a catastrophe", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the catastrophe and its potential impact. Be specific about the chain of events leading to the disastrous outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "cause a catastrophe" to describe minor inconveniences or setbacks. Reserve this phrase for situations with truly significant and widespread negative consequences to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause a catastrophe" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, indicating an action that results in a significant disaster. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe events leading to considerable damage or crisis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause a catastrophe" is a common phrase used to describe actions or events that lead to significant disasters. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, it's important to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations with genuinely severe consequences to avoid overstatement. Alternative phrases like "trigger a calamity" or "spark a disaster" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to clearly define the catastrophe and its impact to ensure clarity and maintain credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trigger a calamity

Replaces "catastrophe" with "calamity", which is a synonym emphasizing the disastrous nature of the event.

spark a disaster

Uses "spark" instead of "cause", suggesting a sudden or rapid onset of the catastrophe.

precipitate a crisis

"Precipitate" implies bringing about the catastrophe prematurely or unexpectedly, focusing on the timing.

instigate a tragedy

"Instigate" suggests active initiation or deliberate action leading to a tragic outcome.

generate a debacle

Replaces "catastrophe" with "debacle", which emphasizes the failure and disarray resulting from the event.

foster a collapse

"Foster" indicates nurturing or promoting conditions that lead to a catastrophic failure or breakdown.

give rise to a crisis

This alternative highlights the origination of a crisis stemming from a particular cause.

lead to devastation

Focuses on the destructive consequences rather than the triggering action itself.

set off a cataclysm

"Set off" implies initiating a sudden and violent upheaval or disaster.

beget a large-scale disaster

"Beget" suggests that the disaster is a direct consequence or offspring of the initial cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause a catastrophe" to describe actions or events that lead to significant disasters. For example: "Ignoring safety protocols could "cause a catastrophe" at the chemical plant."

What are some alternatives to "cause a catastrophe"?

Alternatives include "trigger a calamity", "spark a disaster", or "precipitate a crisis". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cause a catastrophe" or "lead to a catastrophe"?

"Cause a catastrophe" emphasizes the direct action that initiates the disaster, while "lead to a catastrophe" suggests a more gradual progression. Both are correct, but they highlight different aspects of the causal relationship.

What kind of events typically "cause a catastrophe"?

Events that "cause a catastrophe" usually involve widespread damage, loss of life, or severe disruption to normal life. These can include natural disasters, industrial accidents, or large-scale conflicts.