cause accidents

USAGE SUMMARY

"cause accidents" is a correct phrase in written English, and it is used when referring to the cause of an accident.
For example: "Careless driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cars don't cause accidents: drivers do.

The Economist

It's hardly news that distractions cause accidents.

The Guardian - Tech

But reckless riders also cause accidents.

The New York Times

"We're saying cell phones don't cause accidents.

The New York Times

"The question is, how often does it cause accidents?

The New York Times

Mayor Martin L. Pagliughi said that terrapins often cause accidents.

The New York Times

Among other things, it was thought it would cause accidents by distracting passing motorists.

The Guardian - Arts

She also worries that smokers might have withdrawal symptoms while driving and cause accidents.

The New York Times

As Mr Scholes says: "Cars cause accidents but we don't ban them".

The Economist

Apnea disrupts sleep and results in daytime drowsiness that can cause accidents.

The New York Times

"Slanted energy can cause accidents, bad business and lawsuits, and we want to cut that off immediately," she said.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing accident causes, be specific. Instead of just saying something "cause accidents", specify what exactly is causing them, such as "distracted driving cause accidents".

Common error

Avoid vague statements. Saying "technology cause accidents" is too broad. Instead, identify particular aspects, such as "malfunctioning automated systems can cause accidents".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause accidents" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of something leading to or producing accidents. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause accidents" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig, to describe factors that lead to accidents. It appears most commonly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, being specific about what is causing the accidents enhances clarity. Alternatives like "lead to accidents" or "contribute to accidents" can be used to subtly shift the meaning. Overall, Ludwig's examples show that "cause accidents" is a clear and direct way to discuss the origins of unfortunate events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lead to accidents

This alternative focuses on the consequence of an action resulting in accidents, emphasizing the direct path to an accident.

result in accidents

Similar to "lead to accidents", this phrase highlights the outcome of a situation where accidents are the end result.

contribute to accidents

This suggests a partial influence, where something adds to the likelihood of accidents occurring.

trigger accidents

This phrase implies a specific event that initiates or sets off a series of events leading to accidents.

be responsible for accidents

This assigns blame or accountability for the occurrence of accidents.

generate accidents

This alternative suggests the creation or production of accidents, often unintentionally.

initiate accidents

This emphasizes the start or beginning of a sequence that leads to accidents.

play a role in accidents

This suggests a less direct involvement, where something is a factor in causing accidents.

be a factor in accidents

This phrase presents something as one of several elements that contribute to accidents.

increase the risk of accidents

This focuses on elevating the probability of accidents, rather than directly causing them.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause accidents" to describe factors that lead to accidents, such as "Speeding and reckless driving are major factors that "cause accidents" on highways".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cause accidents"?

Alternatives include "lead to accidents", "result in accidents", or "contribute to accidents" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "cause accidents" or "causes accidents"?

"Cause accidents" is generally used when referring to multiple accidents or a general tendency. "Causes accidents" would be used if you are referring to a singular cause and its effect on multiple accidents.

What's the difference between "cause accidents" and "increase the risk of accidents"?

"Cause accidents" implies a more direct causation, while "increase the risk of accidents" suggests a higher probability of accidents occurring, but not a guaranteed outcome.