cause to deteriorate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause to deteriorate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing factors or actions that lead to a decline in quality, condition, or performance of something. Example: "The lack of maintenance can cause the building to deteriorate over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It causes the clay to break down (even after it is baked) and will eventually cause things to deteriorate, become gooey, and all together ruin a piece you love!!!

WikiHow

Fatty fish, he said, is best, and frying will cause DHA to deteriorate.

The New York Times - Health

Too much moisture in a wooden work of art can cause it to deteriorate.

The New York Times - Science

Should Greece stumble, fears of the unknown could cause these to deteriorate in value.

The New York Times

The experiments show that axial plastic deformation can cause adhesion to deteriorate.

International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives

The results suggest that the UX Curve method enables users and researchers to determine the quality of long-term user experience and the influences that improve user experience over time or cause it to deteriorate.

Interacting with Computers

Molecules enmeshed in this gel are locked into place and preserved from the random chemical movements that normally cause them to deteriorate.

Science Magazine

The sun's ultraviolet rays cause vinyl to deteriorate.

Los Angeles Times

Paper allows the fungi to breathe so they stay firm longer; plastic food bags cause them to deteriorate more quickly.

Los Angeles Times

The type of material used to weight the reborn should be considered because some materials do not react well with vinyl and will cause it to deteriorate.

Wikipedia

Even worse, unsuccessful shocks can cause VF to deteriorate into asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA), which are more difficult to resuscitate [ 6].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause to deteriorate", ensure that the subject causing the deterioration is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "Neglect causes to deteriorate", write "Neglect causes the building to deteriorate".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "cause to deteriorate" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "make something worse" or "damage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause to deteriorate" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the action of bringing about a decline in quality, condition, or function. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, the lack of exact matches suggests its usage might be less direct than simpler alternatives.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Academia

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Wiki

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Encyclopedias

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause to deteriorate" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of something leading to a decline. Despite its correctness, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequency is rare, and users might prefer shorter, more direct alternatives like "lead to decline". The phrase is suitable for neutral to formal contexts where precise attribution of a cause is needed. While Ludwig's analysis indicates its grammatical validity, it is important to use it in contexts where its level of formality and descriptive power are warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lead to decline

This alternative directly replaces "cause to deteriorate" with a more concise and common expression of decline.

result in decay

This alternative uses "decay" to emphasize a gradual process of decomposition or decline.

bring about degradation

This option uses the more formal term "degradation" to suggest a reduction in quality or status.

contribute to worsening

This alternative focuses on the aspect of contributing to a negative change or making something worse.

trigger degeneration

This option uses "degeneration" to indicate a process of decline from a higher to a lower state.

accelerate the decline

Focuses on speeding up an existing decline.

induce degradation

Highlights the act of inducing or causing a state of degradation.

foster deterioration

This suggests creating conditions that encourage deterioration.

precipitate decline

Emphasizes that the decline happens suddenly.

exacerbate the decay

Highlights making an already bad decay even worse.

FAQs

How can I use "cause to deteriorate" in a sentence?

You can use "cause to deteriorate" to describe factors that lead to a decline in condition. For example: "Lack of maintenance can "cause the building to deteriorate" over time."

What are some alternatives to "cause to deteriorate"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "lead to decline", "result in decay", or "bring about degradation".

Is it better to say "cause to deteriorate" or "lead to deterioration"?

"Lead to deterioration" is often more concise and commonly used. However, "cause to deteriorate" emphasizes the direct action causing the decline, so the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "cause to deteriorate" and "exacerbate"?

"Cause to deteriorate" implies initiating a decline, while "exacerbate" means making an existing problem worse. For example, neglect "causes the structure to deteriorate", and the storm "exacerbates the existing damage".