cause of trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause of trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific reason or factor that leads to problems or difficulties. Example: "The lack of communication was the main cause of trouble in the project, leading to missed deadlines and confusion among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Impaired communication is both a symptom and a cause of trouble.

Harvard Business Review

Boats are quite tricky enough for those that sit still without looking further for the cause of trouble.

The New York Times - Books

Go to any deprived area, any difficult school, any failing social service, and the root cause of trouble is drugs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fans are typically the cause of trouble, accounting for 32 of the 54 actions taken last year.

The Guardian - Sport

His need to write, we learn immediately, was the "chief cause of trouble" in the marriage of Edward and Susan.

The Guardian - Books

I didn't set out to be a troublemaker, though quite quickly the strip became a cause of trouble".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

High-cycle fatigue induced by mechanical vibration or temperature fluctuation is still a major cause of troubles of plants.

International Journal of Fatigue

The resulting frustration is an underlying cause of troubles from youth delinquency to religious extremism.

The Economist

You can save yourself a lot of trouble if you stay away from 'dodgy' sites and don't open unknown programs.They are the number one cause of troubles.

WikiHow

ALLERGIES cause heaps of trouble.

The Economist

Indeed, insiders can cause plenty of trouble.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause of trouble", ensure the context clearly defines the specific problem or situation being referred to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cause of trouble" without specifying what the trouble is. Be specific about the issue at hand to provide context and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause of trouble" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the origin or reason behind a problem or difficulty. It serves to pinpoint what is responsible for undesirable outcomes, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause of trouble" is a grammatically sound and widely understood way to describe the origin of problems. As verified by Ludwig, it's employed across various contexts, including news, scientific discourse, and general communication. While relatively uncommon, it remains a useful term for identifying the source of difficulties. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "source of the problem" or "root of the problem" for similar meanings. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the particular issue in question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

source of the problem

Focuses on identifying the origin point of a specific issue.

root of the problem

Highlights the fundamental or underlying reason for the issue.

reason for difficulty

Emphasizes the rationale behind an obstacle or challenge.

origin of the conflict

Specifies the starting point of a disagreement or dispute.

source of disruption

Indicates what is creating disturbance or interruption.

genesis of the issue

Highlights the beginning or creation of a particular matter.

antecedent of the problem

Focuses on a prior event that leads to a current problem.

underlying factor

Identifies a subtle but significant element contributing to the problem.

inciting incident

Refers to a specific event that sparks a series of problems.

prime mover

Identifies the main agent or force initiating the trouble.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause of trouble" to identify the origin of a problem. For example, "The lack of communication was the main cause of trouble in the project."

What are some alternatives to using "cause of trouble"?

Alternatives include "source of the problem", "root of the problem", or "reason for difficulty", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "cause of trouble" and "source of conflict"?

"Cause of trouble" generally refers to the origin of any problem, while "source of conflict" specifically indicates the origin of a disagreement or dispute.

Is "cause of trouble" formal or informal?

"Cause of trouble" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.