caused by the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caused by the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the reason or cause for something. For example: The accident was caused by the driver's negligence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's cyclical, caused by the economic downturn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The furore caused by the Which?

The Guardian - Business

I think it's caused by the moon.

The New York Times

The damage caused by the leak, however, remains uncertain.

The Guardian

The storm has been caused by the inaccurate headline.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many are caused by the moral breakdown in our society.

The Guardian

Most of that was caused by the SoBig.F virus.

The New York Times

Maybe our trouble is caused by the term capitalist itself.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not all migration is caused by the west, of course.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was an accident caused by the driver's recklessness.

The Guardian

Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "caused by the" to clearly establish a direct causal relationship between two elements, ensuring the sentence structure emphasizes the cause and its resulting effect.

Common error

Avoid using "caused by the" when the relationship is correlational or indirect. For instance, instead of saying "Increased screen time caused by the pandemic led to eye strain," consider "Increased screen time during the pandemic contributed to eye strain" if other factors also played a role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caused by the" functions as a causal prepositional phrase, indicating the reason or origin of something. It connects an effect to its direct cause. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to establish clear causal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "caused by the" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to establish a direct causal link between events or conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various registers, most frequently appearing in news, wiki, and science contexts. To ensure clarity, avoid using "caused by the" for indirect causes. Instead, use related phrases like "due to the" or "resulting from the" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resulting from the

Emphasizes the outcome or consequence of a particular event or factor, shifting focus slightly from the cause to the effect.

due to the

A direct synonym, indicating a reason or explanation for something.

because of the

A more direct and informal way of stating the cause of something.

as a result of the

Similar to 'resulting from', but with a slightly more formal tone.

attributable to the

Suggests assigning responsibility or origin to a specific cause, often in a more formal or technical context.

brought about by the

Highlights the action of causing something to happen or exist.

stemming from the

Implies a gradual development or origin from a particular source or cause.

occasioned by the

Indicates that something was the direct reason or trigger for an event, often implying a less direct or intended consequence.

prompted by the

Suggests that something incited or motivated a particular action or event.

triggered by the

Emphasizes the initiation or activation of something by a specific cause.

FAQs

How can I use "caused by the" in a sentence?

Use "caused by the" to directly link an effect to its cause. For example: "The accident was "caused by the" icy road conditions."

What are some alternatives to "caused by the"?

Alternatives include "due to the", "resulting from the", or "as a result of the". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to use "the" after "caused by"?

No, "the" is not always necessary. If you're referring to something specific, use "the" (e.g., "caused by the storm"). If you're referring to a general category, you can omit it (e.g., "caused by stress").

What's the difference between "caused by the" and "because of the"?

"Caused by the" directly links a cause to an effect, while "because of the" explains the reason for something. While similar, "caused by the" emphasizes the causal relationship more strongly. Consider using "because of the" when the effect is less direct or obvious.