determine the cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determine the cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of discovering or identifying the source of a problem or issue. For example, "We need to determine the cause of the fire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They could not determine the cause.

The New York Times

An autopsy was planned to determine the cause of death.

The New York Times

Doctors operated but were unable to determine the cause.

The New York Times - Magazine

An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death.

The New York Times

An autopsy to determine the cause of death is planned.

The Guardian

A medical examiner will determine the cause of death.

The New York Times

Investigators were still trying to determine the cause.

The New York Times

An inquest has yet to determine the cause of death.

The Guardian

The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.

The New York Times

Officials have yet to determine the cause of death.

The New York Times

Dr. Wood initially said she was unable to determine the cause of Ms. McPherson's death.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing reports, use "determine the cause" to show that an investigation or analysis was conducted, emphasizing a clear and logical process. For example: "After careful examination, the team worked to "determine the cause" of the equipment malfunction."

Common error

Avoid using "determine the cause" when simpler phrases like "find out why" or "figure out what happened" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine the cause" functions as a verb phrase, where "determine" is the main verb and "the cause" is the direct object. It indicates an action aimed at discovering the reason behind an event or situation. Examples provided by Ludwig confirm its use in various investigative and analytical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "determine the cause" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of identifying the reason or origin of an event or problem. Ludwig's analysis shows that it's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in simple situations where more straightforward language would suffice. Alternatives such as "ascertain the reason" or "identify the origin" can offer nuanced ways to express the same core idea. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, reinforcing its place as a valuable tool in clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascertain the reason

Similar to 'determine', but with a slightly more formal tone.

find the explanation

Directly seeks the clarifying statement or justification.

uncover the reason

Emphasizes the act of revealing a hidden or not-obvious explanation.

establish the source

Highlights confirming or proving where something comes from.

identify the origin

Focuses on pinpointing the starting point or source.

pinpoint the root

Emphasizes identifying the fundamental or core issue.

investigate the basis

Highlights a systematic examination to find the fundamental principle.

discover the basis

Similar to 'uncover', suggesting a revelation of the fundamental reason.

diagnose the problem

Often used in medical or technical contexts, referring to identifying the issue.

analyze the rationale

Focuses on a detailed examination of the underlying logic.

FAQs

What does "determine the cause" mean?

The phrase "determine the cause" means to find out or establish the reason why something happened. It implies a process of investigation or analysis to identify the origin or source of an event or problem.

How can I use "determine the cause" in a sentence?

You can use "determine the cause" in sentences like: "The investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire." or "An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death."

What are some alternatives to "determine the cause"?

Some alternatives to "determine the cause" include "ascertain the reason", "identify the origin", or "find the explanation". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "determine the cause" formal or informal?

"Determine the cause" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, and news-related contexts. Simpler phrases might be more appropriate for informal settings.