could be a result of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be a result of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is a possible cause of a particular occurrence. For example, "The increase in the number of illnesses in the area could be a result of pollution from the nearby factory."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More A's could be a result of smarter students.

The New York Times

The children's higher levels of residues could be a result of several factors, federal scientists said.

The New York Times

The "t" could be a result of blending with another word such as twist or twitch.

The Guardian - Books

This could be a result of having gone long periods without much of it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Statistical analysis showed that the difference could be a result of chance.

The New York Times

Improvement in sustainability could be a result of this integration.

Procedia CIRP

Or it could be a result of a crowdsourced effort to change the translation.

TechCrunch

The material transfer could be a result of a series of processes.

Journal of Modern Transportation

This problem could be a result of model misspecification, excessive residuals or multicollinearity.

Journal of Big Data

This could be a result of different manufacturing processes or doping levels.

Nanoscale Research Letters

This could be a result of the biotin itself helping to stabilize the emulsion.

Progress in Biomaterials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be a result of", ensure that the connection between the potential cause and the effect is logical and supported by evidence. Avoid making unsubstantiated claims or overstating the certainty of the relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "could be a result of" when the connection is purely speculative or based on weak evidence. Instead, use more tentative language or acknowledge alternative explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be a result of" functions as a causal connector, linking a potential cause to an observed effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a possible explanation for a particular occurrence, indicating uncertainty rather than stating a definite cause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be a result of" is a versatile phrase used to suggest potential causal relationships. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the suggested connection is logical and supported by evidence. Be mindful of overstating causation and consider alternative explanations when appropriate. Alternatives such as "may be due to" or "might stem from" can provide nuanced variations depending on the context. While widely used it's important to avoid the common mistake of overstating the causality and base the statement on weak or absent evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be due to

A common and direct way to indicate causation, often used in explanations.

may be a consequence of

Emphasizes that something is a direct result or outcome of something else.

might stem from

Suggests origin or source, often implying a less direct or obvious cause.

possibly stems from

Highlights that the thing stems from a particular cause but it's still uncertain and not fully determined.

may arise from

Emphasizes the emergence or development of something as a consequence.

might be attributed to

Focuses on assigning a cause or reason, often in a more formal context.

could be attributed to

Similar to "might be attributed to", but expresses slightly less uncertainty.

might be linked to

Highlights a connection or association, suggesting a possible causal relationship.

may be connected to

Similar to "might be linked to", but with a slightly stronger implication of a relationship.

could be related to

Indicates a possible association or connection without definitively stating causation.

FAQs

How can I use "could be a result of" in a sentence?

Use "could be a result of" to suggest a possible cause-and-effect relationship. For example, "The decline in sales "could be a result of" the recent marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to "could be a result of"?

You can use alternatives like "may be due to", "might stem from", or "could be attributed to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "could be a result of" or "is a result of"?

"Could be a result of" indicates a possibility or suggestion, while "is a result of" states a definite cause-and-effect relationship. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the certainty of the connection.

What's the difference between "could be a result of" and "may be a consequence of"?

"Could be a result of" suggests a potential cause, while "may be a consequence of" emphasizes that something is a direct outcome. The choice depends on whether you're focusing on the cause or the effect.