cause of suicide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause of suicide" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the underlying reason or motivation behind someone taking their own life. Example: The coroner's report listed depression as the cause of suicide for the young man who tragically ended his own life.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Shneidman's theory that psychache is the pre-eminent psychological cause of suicide is perhaps applicable only to a more serious form of suicidal behaviour.

BMJ Open

It is inexorably linked to depression, and it is the most frequent underlying cause of suicide.

The New York Times - Science

It's such a huge cause of suicide, a huge cause of self-harm.

The Guardian

Depression in youth is a serious public health problem and the leading cause of suicide.

Nature

The continuing neglect of the major cause of suicide among youth is shocking.

The New York Times

The data showed that Islamic fundamentalism was not the root cause of suicide attacks like 9/11.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Added to this is the increasing body of psychological and neurological research into the root causes of suicide and suicidal behaviour.

The Guardian

Even the cause of suicides," the imam said.

The Guardian

Among the 42,773 suicides in 2014, 11,407 (26.7%) were due to hanging, strangulation, or suffocation (collectively referred to as asphyxia for the remainder of this paper), the second leading cause of suicides behind firearms (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Injury Epidemiology

Mind has been getting an increasing number of calls from people experiencing suicidal thoughts, and while the causes of suicide are myriad and complex, we know that the reforms being made to benefits are a contributory factor for many people".

Vice

The roots and causes of suicide are often unclear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause of suicide" in contexts where you are discussing potential contributing factors or underlying reasons, but always handle the topic with care and respect.

Common error

Avoid attributing suicide to a single "cause of suicide". It's crucial to recognize that suicide is rarely the result of one isolated factor but rather a complex interplay of circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause of suicide" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies the reason or factors that lead someone to take their own life. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific studies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause of suicide" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe the factors contributing to a person taking their own life. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, indicating its broad applicability. It's crucial to remember that suicide is a complex issue, and attributing it to a single cause is an oversimplification. While alternative phrases like "reasons for suicide" or "factors leading to suicide" can offer slightly different nuances, the sensitivity and careful consideration of context remain paramount when discussing this topic. Always approach the discussion of "cause of suicide" with respect and an understanding of its multifaceted nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasons for suicide

Focuses on the plural 'reasons' suggesting multiple contributing factors.

factors leading to suicide

Highlights the contributing 'factors' that culminate in suicide.

drivers of suicide

Emphasizes the 'drivers' as propelling forces behind suicide.

underlying reasons for suicide

Specifies the 'underlying' nature of the reasons, indicating deeper, less obvious causes.

motivations behind suicide

Focuses on the 'motivations', highlighting the internal drives and intentions.

etiology of suicide

Uses the scientific term 'etiology', referring to the study of the causes or origins of suicide.

determinants of suicide

Emphasizes the 'determinants' as factors that definitively influence the act of suicide.

precipitating factors for suicide

Highlights 'precipitating factors' that trigger an immediate crisis leading to suicide.

root causes of suicide

Highlights the fundamental, underlying origins and 'root causes' of suicide.

contributing factors to suicide

Focuses on 'contributing factors', acknowledging that multiple elements play a role.

FAQs

What are some common phrases used instead of "cause of suicide"?

Alternatives include "reasons for suicide", "factors leading to suicide", or "underlying reasons for suicide", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "cause of suicide" in formal writing?

Yes, "cause of suicide" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, and professional contexts. However, ensure sensitivity and avoid sensationalizing the topic.

How do I discuss "cause of suicide" responsibly?

When discussing "cause of suicide", avoid simplistic explanations and acknowledge the multi-faceted nature of suicide. Emphasize that mental health, social factors, and personal circumstances often interact.

What's the difference between "cause of suicide" and "risk factors for suicide"?

"Cause of suicide" implies a direct reason or precipitating event, while "risk factors for suicide" refers to conditions or characteristics that increase the likelihood of suicide. Risk factors may contribute to the cause but aren't necessarily the direct trigger.