is thought to be caused by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is thought to be caused by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing theories or beliefs regarding the origins or reasons behind a particular phenomenon or condition. Example: "The increase in temperature is thought to be caused by climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This longer-term trend is thought to be caused by natural fluctuations in solar activity.

Harvard University

So this increase or decrease is thought to be caused by Pb UPD.

Electrochimica Acta

This is thought to be caused by reversible changes in catalyst activity.

Chemical Engineering Science

Dysfunctional bleeding is thought to be caused by imperfect ovarian functioning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

BBB breakdown in IAE is thought to be caused by tight junction disruption following a cytokine storm16.

Nature

This effect is thought to be caused by a complex of neural and hormonal factors stimulated by suckling.

Britannica

The disease is thought to be caused by putting animal protein into cow feed, a practice since banned.

The New York Times

The damage, which is permanent, is thought to be caused by high sugar levels in the men.

The Guardian

Most of the damage is thought to be caused by the reaction with moisture in the body to produce acids.

The Guardian

Sleep disordered breathing with central apnea or hypopnea frequently occurs at high altitude and is thought to be caused by a decrease in blood CO2 level.

Sleep Medicine

The mismatch between reflectance spectra of most common asteroids (S-type asteroids) and most common meteorites (ordinary chondrites) is thought to be caused by space weathering.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is thought to be caused by", ensure that the statement is supported by evidence or expert opinion to maintain credibility. Avoid stating it as an absolute fact unless there's conclusive proof.

Common error

Avoid using "is thought to be caused by" when there is clear evidence of other contributing factors. Acknowledge the complexity of causation rather than attributing an effect to a single cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is thought to be caused by" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect or phenomenon to a potential cause. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates a belief or theory about the origin of something rather than a definitively proven cause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is thought to be caused by" serves as a crucial tool in expressing potential causal relationships, especially when definitive proof is lacking. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its prevalence in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts underscores its importance in disseminating hypotheses and theories. When employing this phrase, it's vital to ensure that claims are grounded in evidence or expert opinion, avoiding the pitfall of presenting conjecture as fact. As a reminder, this phrase appears most frequently in science-related sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is believed to be due to

Emphasizes a belief or opinion about the cause, similar to 'is thought to be caused by'.

is considered to stem from

Suggests an origin or source, comparable to a cause.

is attributed to

Directly assigns a cause or reason.

is linked to

Indicates a connection or association, implying a possible causal relationship.

is hypothesized to arise from

Highlights that the cause is based on a hypothesis or theory.

is suggested to result from

Proposes a possible cause or consequence.

is presumed to originate in

Implies that the cause is assumed but not definitively proven.

is speculated to derive from

Suggests a cause based on speculation or conjecture.

is reasoned to be a consequence of

Indicates a logical deduction of cause and effect.

is inferred to be triggered by

Implies that something initiates the effect.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "is thought to be caused by"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "is believed to be due to", "is considered to stem from", or "is attributed to".

Can I use "is thought to be caused by" in scientific writing?

Yes, but ensure the statement reflects a hypothesis or prevailing theory rather than an established fact. Use it when presenting potential causes that require further investigation.

Is "is thought to be caused by" the same as "is known to be caused by"?

No, "is thought to be caused by" indicates a belief or hypothesis, while "is known to be caused by" suggests established fact and certainty.

What are some nuances to consider when using "is thought to be caused by"?

This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty or ongoing investigation. It's suitable when presenting a potential cause that is not yet definitively proven but is supported by some evidence or expert opinion. Consider using stronger language when you have certainty about the cause.