is caused by

USAGE SUMMARY

"is caused by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing the cause of a situation or event. For example, "The disruption in internet service is caused by a power outage in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A grey sky is caused by clouds.

BBC

Genital herpes is caused by viruses.

The Economist

Campylobacteriosis is caused by Campylobacter bacteria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This line is caused by helium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This trouble is caused by me".

The New York Times

It is caused by Mycoplasma mycoides.

Encyclopedia Britannica

CERVICAL cancer is caused by a virus.

The Economist

"A disaster is caused by people," Capt.

The New York Times

Much, though, is caused by impatience.

The Economist

Progressive taxation is caused by...anti-colonialism?

The Economist

Absinthe's distinctive green is caused by herbs….

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is caused by", ensure that the cause is clearly identified and directly related to the effect. Avoid ambiguity by specifying both the cause and the effect explicitly.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two events occur together, one necessarily caused the other. Ensure there is a genuine causal link, not just a correlation. For example, just because ice cream sales and crime rates both increase in the summer doesn't mean ice cream causes crime.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is caused by" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect or outcome to its cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and grammatically correct way to express causality. The provided examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is caused by" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to establish a direct causal link between an event and its cause. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal scientific writing to general news reporting. While alternatives like "results from" or "is due to" exist, "is caused by" remains a clear and effective way to explain the origins of an event or condition. It's crucial to avoid mistaking correlation for causation and ensure a genuine link when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is due to

Commonly used to indicate a direct cause.

is a consequence of

Formally indicates a logical result.

results from

Emphasizes the outcome as a consequence of something.

arises from

Implies a gradual development from a source.

stems from

Suggests an origin or root cause.

is triggered by

Suggests a sudden initiating event.

is attributed to

Assigns the cause to a specific agent or factor.

originates in

Highlights the place or time where something begins to cause an effect.

is produced by

Focuses on the process that generates the effect.

is brought about by

Highlights the action that leads to a result.

FAQs

How can I use "is caused by" in a sentence?

Use "is caused by" to clearly link an effect to its direct cause. For instance, "The flood /s/is+caused+by heavy rainfall".

What are some alternatives to "is caused by"?

Alternatives include "results from", "is due to", or "stems from", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is caused by" or "causes"?

Both are correct, but "is caused by" is passive, focusing on the effect. "Causes" is active, emphasizing the cause. For example, "Smoking causes lung cancer" versus "Lung cancer /s/is+caused+by smoking".

What's the difference between "is caused by" and "is related to"?

"Is caused by" indicates a direct causal relationship, while "is related to" suggests a connection that may not be directly causal. Something related may be a contributing factor, but not the primary cause.