chief cause of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief cause of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to identify the primary reason or factor contributing to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The chief cause of the decline in bee populations is habitat loss due to urban development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A triple bogey on the par three 15th was the chief cause of his concern.

The Guardian - Sport

This discrimination is widely accepted … by official assessments, as a chief cause of agitation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since then, conservatives have often pointed to teachers unions as a chief cause of school inadequacy.

The New York Times

The chief cause of political corruption in Washington is big money.

The New York Times

The chief cause of the bigger trade gap was rising prices on oil imports.

The New York Times

The chief cause of uremia is damage to the kidneys, which has a variety of causes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The chief cause of the problem in Qatar is consanguineous marriages, experts here said.

The New York Times

This parasite is the chief cause of malaria in humans outside Africa.

The Economist

More importantly, however, is that the temperature rise observed so far is not the chief cause of concern.

The Guardian

Striker was, Scammell says, the chief cause of Koestler's "lurch to the left" in Berlin in 1931.

The New Yorker

Motor vehicle accidents are the chief cause of violent death in America, claiming more than 40,000 lives per year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chief cause of", ensure that the identified cause is indeed the most significant factor contributing to the outcome. Avoid oversimplification by acknowledging potential contributing factors.

Common error

Avoid attributing complex issues to a single "chief cause" without acknowledging other contributing factors. Acknowledge the nuances and complexities of causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief cause of" functions as a modifier phrase that identifies the primary reason or factor responsible for a particular event, situation, or outcome. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chief cause of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that serves to identify the primary reason or factor contributing to a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. While alternatives like "primary reason for" or "leading cause of" exist, "chief cause of" effectively conveys the significance of the identified factor. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure that the identified cause is genuinely the most influential while acknowledging potential contributing elements to avoid oversimplification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary reason for

Emphasizes the reason as the main factor.

main reason for

Highlights the principal reason behind something.

principal cause of

Similar to "chief cause", but may imply a more formal context.

leading factor in

Focuses on the element that contributes the most.

major contributor to

Indicates a significant contributing element.

key factor in

Highlights the crucial element that influences an outcome.

primary driver of

Suggests the main force that propels or initiates something.

root cause of

Highlights the fundamental origin of the issue.

central reason for

Emphasizes that the reason is the core or center of the situation.

foremost reason for

Implies the reason is at the front or head of all the other reasons.

FAQs

How can I use "chief cause of" in a sentence?

You can use "chief cause of" to identify the primary factor that leads to a specific result. For example, "The chief cause of the accident was determined to be speeding."

What are some alternatives to "chief cause of"?

Alternatives include "primary reason for", "main factor in", or "leading cause of". Each emphasizes the primary reason something occurs. For example, "primary reason for" can replace "chief cause of" in many contexts.

Is it correct to use "chief cause" instead of "main cause"?

Yes, both "chief cause" and "main cause" are correct and can be used interchangeably. "Chief" may imply a slightly more significant impact than "main", but the difference is minimal.

What is the difference between "chief cause of" and "contributing factor to"?

"Chief cause of" indicates the primary reason, while "contributing factor to" suggests one of several elements that influence an outcome. A "contributing factor to" is not necessarily the most important.