concrete cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "concrete cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific, identifiable reason for an event or outcome, often in scientific or analytical contexts. Example: "The researchers identified a concrete cause for the increase in pollution levels, linking it directly to industrial waste discharge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I want them to learn that life is based on concrete cause and effect," he said.

Independent

The lack of a concrete cause upset Maricela Mares-Alatorre, a local advocate who faulted the state for not conducting blood or tissue tests.

The New York Times

The "MMR causes autism" scare perpetrated by Andrew Wakefield, for example, had the apparent virtue of naming a concrete cause (vaccination) for a deeply worrying and little-understood syndrome (autism).

The Guardian

Ma‛nà was frequently used by Islamic theologians too, to express the concrete cause or "reason" of a thing.

SEP

Long-time creep and shrinkage in concrete cause loss of prestress forces in the concrete structures.

Construction and Building Materials

The pores and pore connectivity in concrete cause rapid water permeation.

Construction and Building Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Contractors add too much sand to their concrete, causing bridges and buildings to collapse.

The New York Times

They want to find concrete causes for their children's diffuse, often difficult-to-understand problems and, ideally, to find cures.

The New York Times - Magazine

Denys Lasdun, 1976 Suggested by JoninWhitby The style of this building, especially the abundant use of Beton brut concrete, caused much controversy at the time of construction.

The Guardian - Arts

According to the report, supervisors, under pressure to meet a deadline, ordered workers to pour too much concrete causing the structure to collapse.

The Guardian

The variable track surface, a combination of asphalt and concrete, caused problems early and often for some of the most seasoned drivers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "concrete cause", ensure that the cause is clearly defined and supported by evidence. Avoid using the phrase for speculative or unsubstantiated reasons.

Common error

Avoid using "concrete cause" when discussing abstract concepts or situations where a definitive cause is difficult to ascertain. Opt for phrases like "contributing factors" or "potential reasons" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concrete cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific and tangible reason for an event or phenomenon. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in both scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "concrete cause" is a noun phrase used to denote a specific, identifiable, and tangible reason for an event or phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, particularly in news reporting and scientific analysis. While not extremely common, it's a valuable phrase for expressing clarity and definiteness in explanations. When using "concrete cause", ensure that the reason is clearly defined and substantiated, and consider alternatives like "specific reason" or "definite cause" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific reason

Emphasizes the particularity and detail of the reason.

definite cause

Highlights the certainty and lack of ambiguity in the cause.

identifiable reason

Focuses on the ability to recognize and point out the reason.

tangible cause

Implies the cause is perceptible and real, not abstract.

real motive

Shifts the context towards underlying motivations behind actions.

actual reason

Stresses the genuineness and truthfulness of the reason.

underlying factor

Highlights a less obvious, but fundamental cause.

primary driver

Emphasizes the dominant and leading cause.

root cause

Focuses on the fundamental and original cause of a problem.

direct impetus

Highlights an immediate and forceful cause of action.

FAQs

How to use "concrete cause" in a sentence?

Use "concrete cause" to refer to a specific, identifiable reason for an event or situation. For example, "Researchers identified a "concrete cause" for the decline in bee populations".

What can I say instead of "concrete cause"?

You can use alternatives like "specific reason", "definite cause", or "identifiable reason" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "concrete cause" or "abstract cause"?

"Concrete cause" is used to describe a tangible and identifiable reason. "Abstract cause" is less common, as causes are generally understood to be concrete, but the term can be applied for highly theoretical reasons.

What's the difference between "concrete cause" and "root cause"?

"Concrete cause" refers to an immediate and observable reason. "Root cause" refers to the fundamental, underlying reason that sets off a chain of events. The "root cause" is often less obvious than a "concrete cause".