he was causing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was causing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is responsible for creating a particular situation or effect, often in a negative context. Example: "He was causing a lot of trouble at the party, making it difficult for everyone to enjoy themselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Except that professionally he was causing me problems.

The New York Times

Kumbuka, apparently unaware of the ruckus he was causing, explored this "staff-only" area.

The Washington Post

"We never really got an acknowledgment that he was causing a problem," Dr. Olson said.

The New York Times

Perfectly comfortable with the quiet and with the tension he was causing.

The New York Times - Arts

In his 18th Test he was causing as much havoc as the giants of the past.

The Guardian - Sport

Before anyone even said his name he was causing a commotion backstage.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But he's causing it.

The Washington Post

He's causing a tremendous stir".

The New York Times

"A lot of times he's causing havoc where other guys are making plays.

The New York Times - Sports

There's a new boy in the Row and he's causing quite a stir.

The New York Times

Detractors say he is causing havoc in the arts world, and potentially wrecking careers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he was causing", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "generating" or "provoking" can provide a more precise meaning depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "causing" in formal contexts. Vary your vocabulary with more sophisticated alternatives like "precipitating", "engendering", or "effectuating" for greater precision and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was causing" typically functions as part of a verb phrase, indicating an action in progress in the past. It connects a subject (he) with the act of bringing about something, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Ludwig examples show this phrase used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he was causing" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's actions leading to a specific outcome, often a problem or disturbance. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used in news, encyclopedias and general discourse. When writing, consider the specific nuance and context, as alternatives like "generating" or "provoking" may offer a more precise meaning. It is important to vary vocabulary in formal writing to avoid overuse of "causing". Overall, "he was causing" is a versatile phrase for attributing responsibility, with its usage well supported by a wide range of reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was generating

Replaces "causing" with "generating", emphasizing the creation of something, often an effect or situation.

he was creating

Similar to 'generating', but focuses on the act of bringing something into existence.

he was provoking

Implies that he was intentionally eliciting a response or reaction.

he was instigating

Suggests he initiated or stirred up something, often conflict or trouble.

he was triggering

Highlights the act of setting off a chain of events or reactions.

he was responsible for

Shifts focus to accountability for a particular result.

he was the reason for

Directly states that he was the source or explanation for something.

he contributed to

Suggests his actions played a part in a larger outcome.

he brought about

Focuses on the act of making something happen or come into existence.

he led to

Indicates that his actions resulted in a specific consequence or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "he was causing" in a sentence?

Use "he was causing" to describe someone's actions leading to a specific result. For instance, "He was causing a disturbance at the meeting." It indicates a direct link between his behavior and the resulting problem.

What are some alternatives to "he was causing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "he was generating", "he was creating", or "he was provoking".

Is it better to use "he was causing" or "he caused"?

The choice depends on the context and tense. "He was causing" implies an ongoing action in the past, while "he caused" refers to a completed action. For example, "He was causing problems all day" versus "He caused an accident."

What's the difference between "he was causing" and "he was contributing to"?

"He was causing" suggests a more direct and immediate impact, whereas "he was contributing to" implies a less direct but still influential role in bringing about a particular outcome.