direct line of causation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "direct line of causation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the relationship between cause and effect, particularly in academic or analytical writing. Example: "In this study, we aim to establish a direct line of causation between environmental factors and health outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Drawing a direct line of causation between Trump's rhetoric and the spike in hate crimes is difficult.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Direct line-of-sight.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

I feel there is a direct line of transmission.

Huffington Post

Umunna said he was drawing a "direct correlation and line of causation between some of the acts of antisemitism we have seen in the Labour party and the activities of Momentum".

The Guardian

Whichever way the line of causation runs, it's alarming.

Independent

There are studies linking long-term marijuana use to impaired cognition, mental-health problems and dependency, even if the line of causation is not always clear.

The Economist

But the reverse line of causation is also valid: structural transformations ignite institutional changes (Ancochea 1999; Chang 2011; Reinert 2007).

Journal of Economic Structures

A long literature exists pursuing this line of causation that generally states that when health status improves, workers may be more productive, raising GDP [ 33].

BMC Health Services Research

Further, in many cases, the reality is that we cannot readily draw straight lines of causation from known genotypes to specific clinical phenotypes.

Human Genetics

Lack of direct evidence of causation between benzene and birth defects does not exclude the plausibility of benzene as a teratogen.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The absence of other diarrhea-causing viruses tested for in 2 of the 3 samples containing BuV3 supports a possible role for this parvovirus in diarrhea in infants; however, direct proof of causation is necessary (11, 12 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "direct line of causation", ensure that the evidence strongly supports a clear and unbroken connection between the cause and effect. Avoid using it when the relationship is speculative or indirect.

Common error

Avoid claiming a "direct line of causation" when there are other contributing factors or when the evidence is correlational rather than causal. It's important to acknowledge potential confounding variables.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "direct line of causation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a clearly established cause-and-effect relationship. As Ludwig AI explains, a "direct line of causation" is difficult to draw.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "direct line of causation" is a noun phrase used to describe a clear and demonstrable cause-and-effect relationship. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI indicates that establishing such a connection can be difficult. This phrase appears primarily in news and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "direct line of causation", ensure that there's robust evidence supporting a clear and unbroken link between cause and effect, avoiding overuse when the relationship is speculative or indirect. Consider alternatives such as "clear causal link" or "direct causal relationship" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear causal link

Focuses on the clarity of the causal connection.

direct causal relationship

Emphasizes the direct nature of the causal link.

straightforward causation

Highlights the simplicity and lack of ambiguity in the causation.

unambiguous causal connection

Stresses the absence of ambiguity in the causal relationship.

evident causal pathway

Emphasizes the pathway through which the cause leads to the effect is clear.

explicit cause and effect

Focuses on the explicitness of the cause-and-effect dynamic.

distinct causal relationship

Highlights the clarity and separateness of the causal relationship.

obvious causation

Stresses that the causation is easily noticed or understood.

immediate consequence

Focuses on the immediacy of the effect following the cause.

causal chain

Highlights the sequence of events that leads to a specific outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "direct line of causation" in a sentence?

You can use "direct line of causation" to describe a clear and unbroken relationship between a cause and its effect. For example: "The study aimed to establish a "direct line of causation" between smoking and lung cancer".

What are some alternatives to "direct line of causation"?

Alternatives include "clear causal link", "direct causal relationship", or "straightforward causation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "direct line of causation"?

It's appropriate when there is strong evidence supporting a clear and unbroken link between a specific cause and its effect. Avoid using it when the relationship is speculative, weak, or when other factors may significantly contribute to the outcome.

What's the difference between "direct line of causation" and a "correlation"?

"Direct line of causation" implies a proven cause-and-effect relationship, while "correlation" only indicates a statistical association. A correlation doesn't necessarily mean one thing causes the other; there could be other factors at play.