critical cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "critical cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant or essential reason behind an event or situation. Example: "The researchers identified a critical cause of the decline in bee populations, which is linked to pesticide use."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

It was likely a critical cause of death".

Independent

Murphy said total labour costs, including exceptional pension expenses, were 16.9% of revenue and total labour costs "should not be a critical cause for concern".

The Guardian

You can see how the sound of Williamson venting his spleen against partner Andrew Fearn's punishingly sparse rhythm tracks might have turned them into a critical cause celebre.

The Guardian - Music

Improperly cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized reusable medical devices are a critical cause of health care-associated infections.

American Journal of Infection Control

Who needs an interview with a rival paper when you can get to the very root of the critical cause via your own satirical YouTube series?

Independent

Moreover, CSCs are thought to be the critical cause of metastasis, tumor recurrence and cancer-related death of multiple cancer types, including PCa.

Asian Journal of Urology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

They can thus autonomously deal with these scenarios, which we refer to as critical cause-effect situations.

Expert Systems with Applications

Drowsy driving is among the most critical causes of fatal crashes.

Knowledge-Based Systems

The cytokine storm following influenza virus infection is thought to be one of the critical causes of IAE, acting via disruption of tight junctions.

Nature

One of the critical causes of those symptoms is the fact we no longer have to see the direct repercussions our purchases have on the people, environment and animals they affect.

The Guardian

This approach is based on the research of critical causes generating the degradation of power sources in the power electronic application and their undesirable effect.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, "critical cause" implies a direct and essential link. Back up your claim with evidence to demonstrate the cause's importance and effect.

Common error

Avoid using "critical cause" when the factor is merely contributory or secondary. Overstating the importance dilutes the term's impact and can undermine your credibility. Use weaker terms like "contributing factor" if the cause is not primary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical cause" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something essential to an outcome or situation. It emphasizes the significance of a factor as a determining element. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "critical cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, as affirmed by Ludwig, to denote the essential factor contributing to a situation. Predominantly found in science and news contexts, its usage spans various domains. While interchangeable with terms like "key factor" or "primary reason", it's crucial to avoid overstating its importance when other factors play a role. Its formal tone makes it suitable for professional and academic discourse, while its directness ensures clarity in any context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key factor

Replaces "critical cause" with a more general term for an important element.

major reason

Substitutes "critical" with "major", focusing on the primary explanation.

chief reason

Synonymous with "major reason", focusing on the top explanation.

significant factor

Replaces "critical" with "significant", indicating importance but less urgency.

primary driver

Emphasizes the initiating force behind an event, replacing "cause" with "driver".

main contributor

Highlights the element that primarily adds to or creates a situation.

root cause

Highlights the fundamental origin of a problem, adding a layer of depth.

underlying factor

Highlights a less obvious, but fundamental, element contributing to the outcome.

essential element

Shifts the focus to a necessary component, rather than a direct cause.

central aspect

Focuses on the core element of a situation, rather than a direct cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "critical cause" to identify a factor that is essential to why something happens. For example, "Researchers determined that deforestation was a critical cause of increased soil erosion".

What can I say instead of "critical cause"?

You can use alternatives like "key factor", "major reason", or "primary driver" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "critical cause" or "important cause"?

"Critical cause" implies a higher degree of necessity and impact than "important cause". Use "critical cause" when the factor is indispensable; otherwise, "important cause" may suffice.

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

"Root cause" refers to the fundamental, underlying reason for a problem, while "critical cause" refers to a factor that is essential for a specific outcome. The root cause may be more foundational, whereas the critical cause is more directly linked to the immediate effect.