cause cancer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause cancer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing substances, behaviors, or factors that may lead to the development of cancer. Example: "Certain chemicals found in tobacco products are known to cause cancer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(Both cause cancer).

The New York Times

To cause cancer?

The New Yorker

Doesn't radiation cause cancer?

The New York Times

Does night work cause cancer?

Independent

But does fracking cause cancer?

The New York Times

They can even cause cancer".

The New York Times - Health

Re "Does Stress Cause Cancer?

The New York Times

It's going to cause cancer.

The New York Times

And it doesn't cause cancer.

The Guardian

Social networking does not cause cancer.

The Economist

Do airport body scanners cause cancer?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential carcinogens, use "may cause cancer" to convey uncertainty when evidence is not conclusive. This shows responsibility and avoids overstating risks.

Common error

Avoid definitively stating that something "causes cancer" without sufficient scientific evidence. Use softer language like "is linked to" or "may increase the risk of" when the evidence is suggestive but not conclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause cancer" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. It describes the causal relationship between a subject (often a substance, behavior, or environmental factor) and the development of cancer. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause cancer" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the relationship between a factor and the development of cancer. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears frequently in news, scientific literature, and general discussions. While the phrase is versatile, it's crucial to use it responsibly, especially when scientific evidence is not definitive. In such cases, using softer language, such as "may cause cancer" or "is linked to cancer", is more appropriate. Alternative phrases like "lead to cancer", "trigger cancer", and "increase cancer risk" can provide more nuanced meanings, depending on the specific context. Understanding the proper usage and context of this phrase can help ensure clear and responsible communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lead to cancer

Emphasizes the progression or development of cancer as a result of a specific factor.

trigger cancer

Highlights a sudden or initiating effect that leads to cancer development.

induce cancer

Suggests a more formal or scientific context where cancer is deliberately caused for research or experimentation.

promote cancer

Indicates that something encourages or accelerates the growth or spread of cancer.

contribute to cancer

Suggests that something is one of several factors involved in the development of cancer.

increase cancer risk

Focuses on elevating the probability of cancer development without directly causing it.

be carcinogenic

A more direct adjective form indicating something has the property of causing cancer.

foster cancer development

Suggests nurturing or creating conditions that are favorable for cancer to arise.

initiate cancer

Highlights the beginning stages or the very first step in cancer formation.

play a role in cancer

Indicates something has an influence or part in cancer development, but is not necessarily the direct cause.

FAQs

What are some other ways to say "cause cancer"?

You can use phrases like "lead to cancer", "trigger cancer", or "induce cancer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to always use the phrase "cause cancer"?

It depends on the context and the strength of the scientific evidence. If there is strong evidence, then it is accurate. If the evidence is still emerging, it's better to say something "may cause cancer" or "is linked to cancer".

What is the difference between "cause cancer" and "increase the risk of cancer"?

"Cause cancer" implies a direct causal relationship, while "increase the risk of cancer" suggests that a factor makes cancer more likely but isn't necessarily the sole cause. The latter is often more appropriate when discussing complex diseases like cancer.

In what contexts is the phrase "cause cancer" most commonly used?

The phrase is often used in discussions related to health, science, and news reporting when discussing the impact of certain substances or environmental factors. It also appears frequently in academic research.