cause and effect

USAGE SUMMARY

'cause and effect' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which one event is the result of another event. For example, "The cause and effect of climate change can already be seen in rising sea levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It's cause and effect.

The New Yorker

Take cause and effect.

The New York Times

Cause and effect is a bit hazier.

Independent

But cause and effect are unclear.

The Economist

This surely confuses cause and effect.

The New York Times

Others see cause and effect here.

The New York Times

We connect cause and effect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's a wonderful cause-and-effect toy".

The New York Times

Cause-and-effect is underlined.

Reliability Characterisation of Electrical and Electronic Systems

That's a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Huffington Post

The law of cause-and-effect.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause and effect" to clearly establish a relationship where one event directly leads to another. For instance, "The increased rainfall (cause) led to widespread flooding (effect)".

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two events occur together, one necessarily causes the other. Correlation doesn't equal causation; further evidence is required to establish a genuine "cause and effect" relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause and effect" functions as a noun phrase that describes the relationship between two events, where one event (the cause) leads to the other (the effect). Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts showcasing its function. Ludwig AI considers it correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause and effect" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the relationship between two events where one event leads to another. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely applicable and considered correct. Its usage spans across various contexts, most notably in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, reflecting a need for clear explanations and logical reasoning. Related phrases such as "causation" or "action and consequence" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, each with subtle nuances. When using "cause and effect", it's crucial to avoid confusing correlation with causation and ensure that a genuine relationship exists. Remember to utilize this phrase to establish direct relationships, providing clarity and analytical depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause-and-consequence

A less common but still understandable variation of "cause and effect".

effect and cause

Reverses the order to emphasize the outcome, but carries a nearly identical meaning.

causation

A more formal term for the relationship between cause and effect, often used in academic contexts.

causality

Similar to "causation", this term emphasizes the principle that every event has a cause.

action and consequence

This alternative highlights the moral or practical implications of actions and their resulting consequences.

antecedent and result

A more technical way to describe cause and effect, often used in scientific or philosophical discussions.

the reason why

Focuses more on the 'cause' aspect, seeking to explain the origins of a particular situation.

chain of events

Implies a sequence of connected causes and effects, rather than a single isolated instance.

the whys and wherefores

An idiomatic expression referring to the reasons and explanations behind something.

domino effect

Suggests that one event triggers a series of subsequent events, like falling dominoes.

FAQs

How can I use "cause and effect" in a sentence?

Use "cause and effect" to show how one thing leads to another. For example, "The drought (cause) had a devastating effect on the crops".

What's a simpler way to express "cause and effect"?

Alternatives include "action and consequence" or "antecedent and result", although these might slightly alter the nuance depending on the context.

Is it always clear what the "cause and effect" is?

Not always. Sometimes, "cause and effect" can be complex and intertwined, making it difficult to isolate a single cause for a specific effect. Be sure to look for all potential contributing influences.

How does "cause and effect" differ from correlation?

"Cause and effect" implies a direct relationship, while correlation simply means two things occur together. A correlation does not prove "cause and effect".