is at the root of

USAGE SUMMARY

"is at the root of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to indicate the source or origin of a problem. For example, "Lack of resources is at the root of the educational crisis in this region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It is at the root of corruption".

The New York Times

Education is at the root of everything.

The Guardian

Money is at the root of this.

The Guardian - Opinion

So what is at the root of these trends?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Reimbursement is at the root of this problem".

The New York Times

The foot is at the root of poetry.

The New York Times - Arts

This is at the root of our shambling nature.

The Guardian - Opinion

This ambiguity is at the root of Fehr's endgame.

The New York Times - Sports

Housing is at the root of all good social policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Larkin's pun is at the root of the matter.

The Guardian

Audience complicity is at the root of "The Sopranos".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is at the root of", ensure the subject you're connecting it to is genuinely the fundamental cause, not just a contributing factor. Overusing this phrase can weaken your writing, so vary your language by using alternatives like "stems from" or "originates in".

Common error

Avoid using "is at the root of" when you're only identifying a symptom or contributing factor rather than the true underlying cause. For example, saying "Lack of funding is at the root of poor education" might be shortsighted; deeper issues such as systemic inequality or ineffective teaching methods might be the real root causes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is at the root of" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject to a noun phrase identifying the origin or fundamental cause of something. It's a construction used to establish a causal relationship. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is at the root of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to pinpoint the fundamental cause or origin of an issue. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, most commonly in news and media, but also in scientific and formal business settings. While versatile, it's essential to ensure that the identified 'root' is genuinely the primary cause, and to avoid overuse for stylistic variety. Alternatives like "stems from" or "originates in" can enrich your writing. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous real-world examples to illustrate its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lies at the heart of

Replaces 'root' with 'heart', emphasizing the central importance rather than the origin.

stems from

Indicates that something originates or develops from a particular source.

originates in

Focuses on the place or point where something begins or arises.

derives from

Suggests that something is obtained or comes from a specific source.

is caused by

Directly states the cause-and-effect relationship, lacking the metaphorical depth of 'root'.

is attributable to

Suggests that something can be credited or assigned to a particular cause or origin.

has its basis in

Highlights the foundation or underlying principle upon which something is based.

is founded on

Emphasizes the establishment or creation of something based on a particular principle or idea.

is a consequence of

Focuses on the result or outcome of a particular action or event.

traces back to

Highlights the ability to follow something to its source or origin.

FAQs

How can I use "is at the root of" in a sentence?

You can use "is at the root of" to indicate the primary cause or origin of a problem or situation. For example, "Miscommunication "is at the root of" many conflicts in relationships."

What are some alternatives to "is at the root of"?

Alternatives include "stems from", "originates in", or "derives from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "is at the root of"?

While grammatically correct, it's important to ensure that what you identify as the 'root' is indeed the primary and fundamental cause, and not just a contributing factor. Overusing the phrase can also make your writing sound repetitive.

What's the difference between "is at the root of" and "is a symptom of"?

"Is at the root of" identifies the underlying cause, while "is a symptom of" indicates a sign or manifestation of a deeper issue. For example, "Poverty "is at the root of" many social problems", whereas "Homelessness is a symptom of deeper economic issues".