cause of the cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause of the cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the underlying reasons or factors that lead to a particular cause or effect. Example: "To fully understand the issue, we must investigate the cause of the cause, as it reveals deeper systemic problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

What's important, the film conveys, is to discover the cause of the cause — which seems to be mainly greater depression and social isolation.

The New York Times - Arts

And a prior cause of the cause of that cause.

SEP

A more holistic view would involve not only looking at the "cause" of a disease, but also, as Rose has pointed out in [ 7], looking at the "cause of the cause," and even the "cause of the cause of the cause".

BioMed Research International

However, since much of the proximal risk factor is more prevalent in the deprived, the socioeconomic environment can be considered as the "cause of the cause", a distal determinant, pathways from deprivation to health including different types of mediators such as behavioral, community, social, educational, work-related, cultural and political factors [ 28].

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He has a doctor's diagnostic mindset too; he talks about ascertaining "the problem", or what public-health experts call the "cause of the causes".

The Guardian

At the same time as treating the causes of ill health, we should also treat the causes of the causes.

The Guardian

Furthermore, the theory distinguishes between causes of crime and causes of the causes of crime and in doing so the theory distinguishes between crime and criminality.

Crime Science

A study of vulnerability in urban living enables an in-depth understanding of the "causes of the causes"—those social factors that result in a vulnerable urban population (Marmot and Wilkinson 2006).

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Others broaden the lens further and argue for attention to the wider political context and systems, which Birn says are 'the causes of the causes of the causes' (15).

Global Health Action

Collective measures often require action against "structural factors" or the "causes of the causes" [ 20] of disease.

Globalization and Health

Geoffrey Rose, a revered epidemiologist whose insight furthered our current understanding of public health, is often cited for his exclamation to search for the "causes of the causes".

BMC Medical Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause of the cause", ensure it adds value by revealing a deeper, less obvious layer of causation. Avoid redundancy by only using it when a simpler term like "root cause" doesn't suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "cause of the cause" in contexts where the causation is already straightforward. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound convoluted and less clear. Stick to simpler terms when the added depth isn't necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause of the cause" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, identifying a deeper level of causation beyond the immediate cause. This is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig, where it is used to explore underlying reasons in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause of the cause" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to prompt deeper analysis by uncovering factors contributing to immediate causes. According to Ludwig, it is considered usable in written English, particularly within contexts related to health, social issues, and philosophical discussions. While it is not a frequently used phrase, primarily appearing in scientific and news-related domains, its strength lies in its ability to reveal underlying systems and root problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

root cause

Focuses on the fundamental reason behind a problem.

underlying cause

Highlights the cause that exists beneath the surface.

fundamental cause

Emphasizes the most basic and essential reason.

primary driver

Suggests a force that propels or initiates an event.

basic reason

A more simplified way to express the foundational cause.

originating factor

Points to the initial element that led to a chain of events.

initial impetus

Indicates the first force or energy that started something.

antecedent cause

Highlights a cause that precedes another cause.

deeper explanation

Suggests a more profound or thorough reason.

ultimate source

Indicates the final or most distant origin of something.

FAQs

How can I use "cause of the cause" in a sentence?

Use "cause of the cause" to dig deeper into the real reasons behind something. For example, "To effectively combat poverty, we must understand not just its immediate symptoms, but the "cause of the cause", such as systemic inequality".

What phrases are similar to "cause of the cause"?

Similar phrases include "root cause", "underlying cause", or "fundamental cause". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "cause of the cause" instead of "root cause"?

"Cause of the cause" is useful when you want to emphasize a chain of causation, revealing layers of influence. "Root cause" is more direct, pinpointing the single, most basic reason. Use "cause of the cause" when you want to explore the system behind the root.

Is "cause of the causes" grammatically correct, and how does it differ from "cause of the cause"?

Yes, "cause of the causes" is grammatically correct and refers to multiple underlying causes rather than a single one. While "cause of the cause" investigates the origin of a specific cause, "cause of the causes" explores the multifaceted origins of multiple issues.