definitive cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"definitive cause" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to identify an exact reason for an event. For example, "The scientists are still searching for the definitive cause of the rash outbreak."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The term of idiopathic resorption, which is used when no definitive cause can be detected, reflects our limited understanding on the causative factors of this pathological process [ 4].

BMC Oral Health

No definitive cause for their ailments has been found.

The New York Times

But in the absence of a definitive cause, a range of questions are cropping up.

The New York Times

Palestinian leaders have never given a definitive cause of his death.

The New York Times

So an outsider could gain little from probing for a definitive cause of the dinar's plunge.

The New York Times

It is usually a lifelong disability with no definitive cause or cure.

The New York Times

High rates of jaw malformation remain a challenge and no definitive cause has been established.

Aquaculture

The definitive cause of most cases of recurrent salivary gland inflammation in children remains unknown.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

And although investigators are interested in the latest theory, they emphasize that they are far from declaring a definitive cause.

The New York Times

No definitive cause was established in the second crash, but the inexperience of one pilot and fatigue apparently played a role – circumstances that decent management could have averted.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's no definitive cause of death, but the police assume the cold was a factor and urge homeless people to come to shelters this time of year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitive cause" when you want to indicate that a cause has been thoroughly investigated and confirmed as the primary reason for a specific outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive cause" when the evidence is not conclusive or when multiple factors may contribute to the outcome. Use qualifying language like "potential cause" or "contributing factor" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive cause" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates a specific, confirmed reason for an event or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

41%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "definitive cause" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for indicating a confirmed reason behind an event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently encountered in scientific and news-related contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the cause is indeed confirmed to avoid misrepresenting the situation. Alternatives like "conclusive cause" or "root cause" can be considered depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclusive cause

Emphasizes the finality and certainty of the cause.

decisive factor

Highlights the importance of the cause in determining the outcome.

root cause

Focuses on the fundamental origin of the problem.

underlying reason

Suggests a cause that may not be immediately obvious.

primary driver

Implies a cause that propels or initiates an event.

chief reason

Highlights the most important reason among several possibilities.

mainspring

Metaphorically suggests the essential mechanism or cause.

essential element

Stresses the necessity of the cause for the outcome.

critical factor

Indicates that the cause is essential for the event to happen.

proximate cause

Refers to the immediate or most direct cause of an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "definitive cause" to indicate the confirmed reason behind a particular event or phenomenon. For example, "Scientists are working to determine the "definitive cause" of the disease outbreak".

What are some alternatives to saying "definitive cause"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "conclusive cause", "root cause", or "underlying reason". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "definitive cause" in formal writing?

Yes, "definitive cause" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts where precise language is important. It clearly communicates that a cause has been confirmed.

What's the difference between "definitive cause" and "possible cause"?

"Definitive cause" refers to a confirmed and established reason, whereas "possible cause" indicates a potential explanation that has not yet been proven. Using the correct term ensures accuracy and avoids misleading the reader.