cause them to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause them to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of making something happen or bringing something into existence. Example: "The new policy will cause them to be more productive in their work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it may even cause them to be bolder than other companies".

The New York Times - Tech

"Do entrepreneurs have certain characteristics that cause them to be successful?" Mr. Tully asked.

The New York Times

"To intimidate a person is to cause them to be fearful," Brandis said.

The Guardian

That they think these kids have something to hide that would cause them to be unsuccessful at their institution?

The New York Times

He insisted that there would be no watering-down of the reform program, which calls for tighter scrutiny of the banks that could cause them to be nationalized.

The New York Times

And it's no exaggeration to say that lawmakers are terrified in general of doing anything that might cause them to be accused of being soft on crime.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Their medical needs are quite often what cause them to be homeless, cause them to remain homeless and to get worse while they are homeless.

The Guardian

Or they worry that if this fact comes to light in a job interview, it will explode and cause them to be led unceremoniously to the door.

The New York Times

The detachment, skepticism, and secularism of such persons may, however, cause them to be viewed with great suspicion by many reactors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Wednesday and there were questions about whether the layoff of less than 36 hours would cause them to be tired against the Mountaineers.

The New York Times - Sports

Failure to do so would cause them to be "taken off the flying duty roster," a deadline reiterated in a second letter in February.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cause them to be", ensure clarity by specifying the direct consequence or state resulting from the cause. For example, "The new regulations will cause them to be more cautious in their investments" provides a clear understanding of the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cause them to be" in simple sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. Instead of "The heat will cause them to be uncomfortable", try "The heat will make them uncomfortable" for a more concise expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause them to be" functions as a causative construction, indicating that something or someone is the reason for a specific state or condition. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely usable. The examples on Ludwig demonstrate the versatility of the phrase across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause them to be" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction for expressing causation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is versatile and applicable across various contexts, though it may sometimes be considered more formal than simpler alternatives like "make them". While primarily found in News & Media and Scientific sources, its effective use lies in clearly defining the consequential state or condition. When writing, ensure its formality aligns with your intended tone, and consider simpler alternatives for more casual settings. Be creative when using this phrase, but avoid using it in sentences where a more direct verb is possible. Using this phrase makes your writing more detailed by clearly stating the state or condition that results from the causal element.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make them be

This is a more direct and concise way of expressing the same idea, replacing "cause them to" with "make them".

have them be

A simple and direct alternative, implying influence or arrangement for a certain state.

lead them to be

This suggests guidance or direction resulting in a specific state, rather than direct causation.

get them to be

An informal alternative suggesting a process of convincing or enabling a certain state.

result in their being

This alternative shifts the focus to the outcome rather than the cause, using a gerund phrase.

bring about their state of being

This is a more formal and elaborate way to describe causing a particular condition or existence.

render them

This implies making them a certain way through some action, often passive.

induce them to be

This alternative implies persuasion or influence, not necessarily direct causation.

drive them to be

This conveys a stronger sense of compulsion or pressure leading to a specific state.

compel them to be

This signifies a forced or required state, indicating a lack of choice.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "cause them to be" for better clarity?

Consider alternatives like "make them", "lead them to be", or "result in their being" depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey. Each alternative provides a slightly different shade of meaning.

What's the difference between "cause them to be" and "make them"?

"Cause them to be" is generally more formal than "make them", although they can often be used interchangeably. "Cause them to be" implies a more indirect or complex chain of events leading to the outcome.

Is "cause them to be" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "cause them to be" might sound somewhat stilted in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "make them" or "get them to be" are generally preferred in informal settings.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "cause them to be"?

The phrase "cause them to be" is appropriate in formal writing, technical reports, or when you want to emphasize the causal relationship between an action and a resulting state or condition. It adds a layer of precision to your writing.