core cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"core cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the main cause or reason for something, or the most important factor in causing something. Example: The core cause of the financial crisis was irresponsible lending practices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The more exposure the Ukip leader has enjoyed, the less popular his core cause has become.

The Guardian - Opinion

Social services help after trauma, but a long-term solution requires identifying the core cause.

The New York Times

Teenage childbearing was denounced as a core cause of poverty and all its ills, from crime and drug addiction to bad schools and welfare dependence.

The New York Times

A survey of most classroom libraries will reveal a core cause of the "knowledge deficit": the absence of nonfiction books and materials.

The New York Times

Sweetness enhancers could prove important if it turns out that the fructose portion of sugar is the core cause of ills like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

The New York Times

It seemed the perfect rallying moment for a core cause, and the companies hoped that other technology firms would follow their lead.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

And has their language, literalistic to the core, caused them to make a basic mistake about the Christian promise of eternal life?

The Guardian - Books

In October 1957 a reactor at Windscale caught fire during a gentle heating to anneal damage in the graphite core, causing a national emergency.

Independent

In Peru, for example, research has highlighted how legal reforms have been hindered by poor enforcement, under-resourcing and a failure to address core causes of violence against women.

The Guardian

The report went on to say that "antispam efforts should presently focus on one of the core causes of the problem -- the ability of spammers to use obfuscatory techniques".

The New York Times

Rising residual heat within each reactor's core caused the fuel rods in reactors 1, 2, and 3 to overheat and partially melt down, leading at times to the release of radiation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "core cause" to emphasize the fundamental and essential nature of the identified reason. Avoid using it when referring to secondary or less important causes.

Common error

Avoid mistaking symptoms for the "core cause". Ensure your analysis goes beyond surface-level observations to identify the fundamental drivers of an issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "core cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies the primary reason or fundamental explanation for a particular phenomenon or event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science & Research

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "core cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies the primary and most fundamental reason behind an event or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from neutral news reports to formal academic analyses. While alternatives like "root cause" or "main cause" exist, "core cause" often emphasizes a deeper, more essential understanding. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to differentiate between superficial symptoms and the actual underlying drivers to avoid misidentification. Its usage is particularly common in news media and scientific discourse, highlighting its importance in analytical and explanatory communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

root cause

Focuses on the fundamental origin or reason.

primary reason

Highlights the main reason for something.

main cause

Emphasizes the principal factor contributing to an event.

underlying cause

Suggests a less obvious, fundamental reason.

fundamental reason

Emphasizes the basic and essential reason.

chief cause

Highlights the most important cause.

principal factor

Stresses the key element contributing to a result.

central reason

Highlights that the reason is very important to the situation.

key factor

Emphasizes the crucial aspect.

driving force

Implies a cause that propels or motivates an event.

FAQs

What does "core cause" mean?

The term "core cause" refers to the primary or fundamental reason behind a problem or situation. Identifying it involves looking beyond superficial factors to uncover the most essential underlying driver.

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

You can use "core cause" to explain the main reason something happened. For example: "The core cause of the company's failure was poor management."

What are some alternatives to "core cause"?

Alternatives include "root cause", "primary reason", or "main cause". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "core cause" and "main cause"?

While similar, "core cause" often suggests a deeper, more fundamental reason than "main cause". The "core cause" is the most essential element, while the main cause might be more immediate or apparent.