establish the cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establish the cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of identifying or determining the reason behind an event or phenomenon. Example: "In order to improve the system, we need to establish the cause of the recurring errors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The experts were unable to establish the cause of death.

The New York Times

Two postmortems failed to establish the cause of death.

The Guardian

The safety board usually takes about a year to establish the cause of such crashes.

The New York Times

The CSB's remit is to establish the cause of the accident.

The Guardian - Business

At the moment, we're working to establish the cause of the gentleman's death".

The Guardian

Postmortem examinations will be held in due course to establish the cause of death, police said.

The Guardian

However, doctors in Paris said they could not establish the cause of the disorder.

The Guardian

A postmortem examination carried out on Monday failed to establish the cause of her death.

The Guardian - Music

A postmortem examination carried out on Monday failed to establish the cause of the singer's death.

The Guardian - Music

An autopsy is under way to establish the cause of death.

The Guardian

We are working with the third-party supplier to establish the cause of these".

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "establish the cause" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being investigated. For instance, specify "establish the cause of the accident" rather than just "establish the cause."

Common error

Avoid using "establish the cause" in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "find out why" or "figure out what happened" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish the cause" functions as a verbal phrase used to describe the action of determining or identifying the reason behind an event, situation, or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily usable in English. The examples illustrate its use in contexts ranging from investigations to scientific studies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "establish the cause" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the action of determining the reason behind an event or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in formal and professional contexts. It is frequently found in news reports, scientific studies, and investigative analyses. Related phrases include "determine the origin", "identify the reason", and "ascertain the source". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being investigated and avoid overuse in casual conversation. The phrase's versatility makes it a valuable tool for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify the reason

A more general way of saying "establish the cause"; emphasizes the process of finding an explanation.

find the explanation

Emphasizes the act of discovering an explanation for something, rather than the cause itself.

determine the origin

Focuses on identifying the starting point or source, differing from identifying the reason behind an event.

ascertain the source

Similar to determining the origin, it emphasizes finding the starting point or the entity responsible.

uncover the root

Suggests a deeper investigation to find the fundamental reason or origin.

investigate the grounds

Focuses on the reasons or basis for something, implying a thorough examination.

analyze the basis

Focuses on the fundamental principles or reasons underlying something.

delve into the factors

Suggests a comprehensive examination of the various elements contributing to an event or situation.

pinpoint the etiology

More formal and technical, primarily used in medical or scientific contexts to identify the cause of a disease or condition.

diagnose the problem

More specific, often used in medical or technical contexts to identify the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "establish the cause" when discussing the process of identifying or determining the reason behind an event or phenomenon. For example: "An investigation was launched to "establish the cause" of the fire."

What are some alternatives to "establish the cause"?

Some alternatives include "determine the reason", "identify the source", or "ascertain the origin", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "establish the cause" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "establish the cause" in formal or professional writing when you need to convey a sense of thoroughness and precision in identifying the reasons behind an event or problem. It's commonly used in reports, analyses, and investigations.

What's the difference between "establish the cause" and "find the cause"?

"Establish the cause" suggests a more formal and rigorous process of investigation and verification, while "find the cause" implies a more general and potentially less thorough search. The first suggests a definitive conclusion, whereas the second just the act of finding a reason. In many cases, "find the cause" is adequate.