fundamental cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"fundamental cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the root or underlying reason for something. For example, "The fundamental cause of the housing crisis was an over-inflated real estate market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is single parenthood the fundamental cause of poverty?

The Economist

The "most fundamental cause" of the great crash in the US, for instance, was "financial inequalities".

The Guardian - Books

Different skills, and different demand for skills, are a fundamental cause of inequality.

The Guardian

But the fundamental cause of the crisis lies within the region not outside it.

The Guardian

But the fundamental cause of the crisis lies within the region not outside it," he wrote.

Independent

The prime minister has sidestepped the fundamental cause of our housing crisis – the desperate lack of affordable housing supply".

The Guardian

The fundamental cause, according to the likes of John McCain, was greed and corruption on Wall Street.

The Guardian - Opinion

This, Dr. Sinclair and his colleagues suggest, may be a fundamental cause of aging in mice and probably people, too.

The New York Times - Health

We haven't," he writes, adding that "the fundamental cause of the crisis lies within the region not outside it".

The New Yorker

The fundamental cause of this second recession was an unfortunate, and largely inadvertent, switch to contractionary fiscal and monetary policy.

The Economist

A more fundamental cause is that businesses are not sure that the economy's current growth can be sustained or accelerated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental cause", ensure you can clearly articulate and support why you consider that cause to be the most essential or underlying factor.

Common error

Avoid presenting "fundamental cause" as the only cause. Acknowledge that complex situations often have multiple contributing factors, even if one is deemed fundamental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies the primary or underlying reason for a particular phenomenon. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

55%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental cause" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that identifies the primary or underlying reason for a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and broad applicability. It's used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, with a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure a clear articulation and support for why the cause is deemed fundamental, while also acknowledging potential contributing factors. Alternatives like "root reason" or "underlying factor" can offer nuanced perspectives, and this is a sign that your use of language is varied and professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

root reason

Focuses on the foundational nature of the reason.

underlying factor

Emphasizes the factor that lies beneath the surface.

primary driver

Highlights the driving force behind an event or situation.

chief reason

Indicates the main reason among others.

principal factor

Stresses the importance of the factor.

major determinant

Focuses on the determining aspect of the cause.

core explanation

Highlights the explanatory nature of the core reason.

key influence

Emphasizes the influence that the cause exerts.

central dynamic

Focuses on the central, active force at play.

basic impetus

Underlines the initial driving force.

FAQs

How do I use "fundamental cause" in a sentence?

Use "fundamental cause" to identify the primary reason or origin of something. For example, "The lack of affordable housing is a "fundamental cause" of homelessness."

What are some alternatives to "fundamental cause"?

You can use alternatives like "root reason", "underlying factor", or "primary driver" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "fundamental cause" and "root cause"?

While similar, "fundamental cause" often refers to a broader, more encompassing reason, whereas "root cause" implies a deeper, more specific origin, often in problem-solving contexts.

Can "fundamental cause" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "fundamental cause" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in very casual settings, you might opt for simpler alternatives like "main reason" or "chief cause".