Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
detect the cause
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "detect the cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of identifying the reason behind a problem or issue. Example: "In order to improve the system's performance, we need to detect the cause of the recurring errors."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
12 human-written examples
"If we're particularly unlucky, we may not be able to detect the cause," Dr. Roscoe said.
News & Media
Therefore it is important to identify individual reactions towards stress to detect the cause of allergy in those subjects.
Others include the development of diagnostic tools that can detect the cause of death without the necessity for an autopsy.
News & Media
In current tests, blood samples are sent to a lab, where radioactive materials are used to detect the cause of the disease: a so-called auto-antibody that attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
News & Media
Thus, SPECT/CT might be integrated in a diagnostic algorithm as a problem solving tool when clinical examination and conventional imaging (plain radiographs, planar bone scan, as well as partly CT and MRI) fail to detect the cause of the patient's symptoms.
Science
It does not detect the cause of weakness and cannot differentiate between CIP and CIM.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
48 human-written examples
As a consequence, this measure cannot detect the cause-effect relationship in high-order moments and nonlinear causality.
Science
Seepage and slope stability analyses were carried out to detect the causes of failure.
Science
This study was performed to detect the causes for this plateau.
Science
Self-report scales should be considered more carefully since these may not be able to accurately detect the causes for the changes in the course of disease.
Science
Several additional analyses were made to detect the causes of this genetic structure within clades S and P by building a statistical parsimony network for each.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "detect the cause" in technical writing, ensure that you clearly define the methods or tools used in the detection process.
Common error
Avoid stating that you will "detect the cause" without specifying the boundaries of your investigation. A more precise statement acknowledges the potential limitations and focuses on specific areas of inquiry.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "detect the cause" functions as a verb phrase, where "detect" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("the cause"). Ludwig AI showcases its usage across various contexts, primarily to express the action of discovering the origin of a problem or event.
Frequent in
Science
55%
News & Media
35%
Encyclopedias
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "detect the cause" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to describe the process of identifying the origin or reason behind a problem. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage in various contexts, predominantly in scientific and news-related articles. While the phrase is suitable for formal and neutral settings, more casual conversations might opt for simpler alternatives. When employing "detect the cause", ensure clarity and specify the methods of detection. Considering its frequency and reliable sources, the phrase presents a clear and effective means of communicating the act of identifying causality.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
identify the reason
Focuses on the rationale behind something, rather than the source.
determine the origin
Emphasizes the starting point or beginning of something.
uncover the source
Implies revealing a hidden or not easily found origin.
establish the root
Highlights the fundamental or core element as the origin.
diagnose the source
Suggests a formal assessment to find the source, often in a medical or technical context.
ascertain the etiology
Uses a more formal, often medical term for the cause of a disease or condition.
pinpoint the driver
Highlights the element that is actively propelling or influencing the outcome.
reveal the catalyst
Points to the agent that initiated a change or event.
find the basis
Focuses on the fundamental principle or foundation on which something rests.
trace the inception
Looks at the very beginning or start of something's existence.
FAQs
What is another way to say "detect the cause"?
Alternatives include "identify the reason", "determine the origin", or "uncover the source". The best choice depends on the specific context.
In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "detect the cause"?
The phrase "detect the cause" is suitable in contexts where an investigation or diagnostic process is underway to find the origin of a problem, such as in scientific research, medical diagnoses, or technical troubleshooting.
How does "detect the cause" differ from "identify the effect"?
"Detect the cause" focuses on finding the origin of an issue, whereas "identify the effect" is about recognizing the consequences or outcomes resulting from a particular cause. They represent opposite directions in a cause-and-effect relationship.
Is "detect the cause" formal or informal language?
The phrase "detect the cause" is considered neutral to formal language. It's suitable for professional, academic, and news-related contexts. More informal situations might use simpler terms like "find out why".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested