caused a change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caused a change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or action that resulted in a transformation or alteration in a situation or condition. Example: "The new policy caused a change in employee productivity, leading to better overall performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only 8% changed the typical estimate directionality, and 11% caused a change to or from significance.

Stanford University

But the Mets' recent hot streak has caused a change in attitude in their clubhouse.

The New York Times - Sports

But news of the departure of Giedroyc and Perkins caused a change in his mood.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"However, your decision and subsequent treatment of me on the phone caused a change of heart.

The New Yorker

I am not ashamed of it but recent events have caused a change in my heart".

The Guardian - Film

"I think border security has improved considerably, and I think that's caused a change in attitude".

The New York Times

Fourteen of the exonic SNPs caused a change in predicted secondary structure.

International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance

There were cast changes that suddenly caused a change in the play and a change in the reviews".

The New York Times

H3mm7-induced DEG groups, classified in Fig. 3b, were used to determine groups that caused a change in chromatin accessibility.

Nature

But delays in getting the development ready caused a change in plans, said Brooke Lawer, a spokeswoman for Virgin Atlantic.

The New York Times

One respondent said: "Job cuts caused a change in shift patterns which ultimately meant we miss many jobs after 6pm".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "caused a change", ensure that the relationship between the cause and the resulting change is clear and direct to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions that obscure the cause. Instead of "a change was caused by...", prefer the active voice: "...caused a change" to clearly identify the responsible factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caused a change" functions as a causal connector, linking an action or event to its consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various domains. Examples show it connecting diverse subjects to resulting alterations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "caused a change" is a versatile phrase used to express a causal relationship between an event and its resulting alteration. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. The phrase functions as a causal connector and serves the purpose of explaining the direct impact of an action. While suitable for neutral to formal registers, clarity in identifying the cause and effect is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

led to a change

This alternative focuses on the direct consequence of an action or event, similar to "caused a change".

resulted in a change

This phrase highlights the outcome of a particular action, emphasizing the transformation that occurred.

brought about a change

This suggests a more active role in initiating the change, indicating a deliberate effort.

effected a change

This alternative implies successfully implementing or achieving a change, often through planned action.

instigated a change

This suggests the beginning or initiation of a change, often implying a more forceful or direct action.

precipitated a change

This indicates that something triggered a sudden or significant change, often implying a rapid transition.

occasioned a change

This suggests that an event provided the opportunity or reason for a change to occur.

induced a change

This emphasizes the influence or persuasion that led to the change, often implying an external force.

determined a change

This signifies that something decisively influenced or controlled the change, implying a strong effect.

generated a change

This highlights the creation or production of a change, often implying a new or novel outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "caused a change" in a sentence?

You can use "caused a change" to indicate that an action or event led to a specific alteration or transformation. For example, "The new policy "caused a change" in employee productivity."

What are some alternatives to "caused a change"?

Alternatives include "led to a change", "resulted in a change", or "brought about a change". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "caused a change" or "effected a change"?

"Caused a change" is generally more common and broadly applicable. "Effected a change" implies a successful or deliberate implementation of a change, suggesting a more intentional action.

What's the difference between "caused a change" and "resulted in a change"?

While similar, "caused a change" emphasizes the instigating factor, whereas "resulted in a change" focuses on the outcome. The phrases are often interchangeable, but the emphasis shifts slightly depending on which aspect you want to highlight.