causes of

USAGE SUMMARY

"causes of" is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing the factors that lead to a particular outcome or result. For example: "Experts have identified several possible causes of the recent decline in bee populations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tackling the causes of poverty.

Independent

Coordinates Causes of Relativity.

The New York Times

Ecological causes of speciation.

Nature

The causes of crime are complex.

The Economist

Among the main causes of those feelings?

The New York Times

WHAT are the causes of these deaths?

The New York Times

The causes of that poverty are complex.

Independent

The causes of the shortages are multiple.

The New York Times - Health

The deeper causes of these errors vary.

The Economist

Extrinsic causes of dermal cancers are rare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The causes of these abnormalities are complex.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To provide a more nuanced explanation, break down different dimensions of causality with phrases like “direct causes of,” “indirect causes of,” or “root causes of.”

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "the causes of the problem are many" without elaborating. Instead, provide specific causes and evidence to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causes of" functions as a causal connector, linking a phenomenon or event to its underlying reasons or origins. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard phrase for discussing factors leading to an outcome, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "causes of" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to introduce the reasons or factors leading to a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for use across various contexts, with a neutral tone. It is frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources. When using the phrase, ensure that you provide specific details rather than making vague statements. Alternatives like "reasons for" or "factors contributing to" can be used depending on the context. Use "causes of" to set the stage for a thorough analysis of the factors involved in complex issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reasons for

Replaces "causes" with "reasons", offering a more general synonym.

Factors contributing to

Emphasizes the contributory nature of multiple influences.

Origins of

Focuses on the starting point or beginning of something.

Roots of

Implies a deeper, more fundamental source.

Sources of

Highlights where something originates or comes from.

Underlying reasons for

Stresses the less obvious, more fundamental explanations.

Motivations behind

Specifically addresses the reasons behind actions or decisions.

Drivers of

Suggests forces that propel or instigate a phenomenon.

Explanations for

Offers a more formal alternative, suitable for academic or technical contexts.

Antecedents of

Implies events or circumstances that precede and influence what follows.

FAQs

How can I use "causes of" in a sentence?

Use "causes of" to introduce the reasons or factors that lead to a specific outcome or event. For example, "The "causes of deforestation" include logging, agriculture, and urbanization."

What are some alternatives to "causes of"?

Alternatives include "reasons for", "factors contributing to", or "origins of", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "causes of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Causes of" is a common and accepted phrase used to indicate the reasons or origins of something.

What is the difference between "causes of" and "due to"?

"Causes of" introduces a noun phrase identifying the reasons. "Due to" introduces a clause explaining the reason for something. For example, "The "causes of the accident" are still under investigation," versus "The accident was "due to driver error"".