clear cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'clear cause' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is obviously the cause of a certain effect. For example, "The dispute was caused by a clear cause — there were financial mismanagement decisions from the higher-ups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I think there is a clear cause and effect there".

The New York Times

But this release is a clear cause for optimism.

The Economist

If there's clear cause for this warning, the government should point it out.

The Guardian - Opinion

A post-mortem that afternoon was unable to establish a clear cause of death for Eva.

Independent

The study didn't prove a clear cause and effect between pubic hair grooming and STIs, only that the two are connected.

The Guardian

"Terrorism" is implicitly connected to al-Qaida and suggests clear cause and effect and tends to trigger a spasm of maximum responses.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The difficulty in controlling the broad number of factors affecting interactions between GBMs and bacteria hampers the establishment of clear cause-effect relations.

Carbon

One that empowers every person to choose whether they use "dirty energy" and one with a clear cause-effect relationship to climate change.

TechCrunch

simple contexts, mastery of good practices, characterised by stability and clear cause-effect relations in which "we know what we know".

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Spatial and temporal changes around an area of conventional coastal engineering can be easily observed from field surveys because of the clear cause-and-effect observable in the before and after stages of the project.

Marine Pollution Bulletin

The clear cause-and-effect relationship between the incident wind, the conical vortices, and the induced roof-corner high-suction pressures has been confirmed through analyzing the simultaneously collected wind and pressure data and the synchronized conical-vortex images.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear cause" when you want to emphasize that the reason or origin of something is easily understood or evident. For example, "There was a "clear cause" for the company's success: innovative product development."

Common error

While "clear cause" is acceptable, consider stronger, more precise synonyms in formal contexts. Alternatives like "evident reason" or "unmistakable origin" can add sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear cause" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a reason or origin that is easily understood or evident. Ludwig's examples support this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear cause" is a commonly used phrase that identifies an easily understood reason or origin, functioning as a noun phrase within a sentence. While it's grammatically correct and widely accepted, as affirmed by Ludwig, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. However, more precise alternatives can enhance formality. Analyzing its usage patterns reveals prevalence in News & Media and Science, solidifying its relevance in describing identifiable origins across different domains. Understanding these nuances enables more effective communication using the phrase "clear cause".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious reason

Focuses on the ease of perceiving the cause.

evident cause

Highlights the readily apparent nature of the cause.

distinct reason

Emphasizes the clarity and separateness of the reason.

unmistakable cause

Stresses that the cause cannot be confused with anything else.

unquestionable reason

Highlights that the reason is beyond doubt.

plain cause

Implies the cause is straightforward and easy to understand.

patent reason

Indicates the reason is openly displayed or obvious.

manifest cause

Suggests the cause is clearly revealed or displayed.

ascertainable cause

Focuses on the cause being discoverable or determinable.

identifiable reason

Emphasizes that the reason can be specifically recognized.

FAQs

How can I use "clear cause" in a sentence?

You can use "clear cause" to indicate an obvious or easily identifiable reason for something. For example, "The economic downturn had a "clear cause": a global pandemic."

What are some alternatives to "clear cause"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "obvious reason", "evident cause", or "distinct reason".

Is "clear cause" formal or informal?

"Clear cause" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "unmistakable origin".

What's the difference between "clear cause" and "obvious cause"?

While "clear cause" and "obvious cause" are similar, "clear cause" emphasizes understanding and lack of ambiguity, while "obvious cause" emphasizes ease of perception. They are often interchangeable but ""clear cause"" may be preferred when focusing on comprehension.