it can cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it can cause' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase anytime you want to explain the potential outcome of an action or situation. For example: Eating fast food regularly can cause health problems.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can cause scarring.

The New York Times

It can cause havoc".

The Guardian - Film

And it can cause enormous damage.

The New York Times

Instead, it can cause them to underachieve.

The New York Times

And it can cause oral cancer.

The Economist

"It can cause bad passes," he explains.

The New Yorker

He added, "It can cause havoc".

The New Yorker

It can cause pneumonia, and it can cause meningitis.

The Washington Post

It can cause no harm.

MIT Technology Review

It can cause scheduling decisions to change.

Stanford University

It can cause a lot of..

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can cause", ensure that the connection between the subject and the potential outcome is clear and logical. Vague connections can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it can cause" when the outcome is highly improbable or speculative. Use phrases like "it might cause" or "it could cause" to indicate a lower degree of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can cause" functions as a causal connector, linking a subject to a potential consequence or effect. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used to express a possible outcome or result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

24%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can cause" is a versatile phrase used to express potential consequences across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, although careful consideration should be given to the certainty of the outcome being described. Remember to use alternative phrasing, like "it may lead to" or "it might result in", when the outcome is less certain. Being mindful when writing about outcomes and consequences will improve clarity and strength in your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may lead to

Suggests a possibility, but not a certainty, of a consequence.

it might result in

Indicates a potential outcome, often with a degree of uncertainty.

it could produce

Focuses on the creation or generation of something as a result.

it has the potential to trigger

Highlights the possibility of initiating or setting off a specific event or reaction.

it may generate

Emphasizes the creation or production of something as a consequence.

it poses the risk of

Focuses on the potential danger or hazard associated with something.

it is liable to create

Implies a tendency or likelihood of producing a specific outcome.

it carries the possibility of

Highlights the potential for a particular event or outcome to occur.

it is capable of bringing about

Emphasizes the ability to cause or produce a specific result.

it runs the danger of

Focuses on the potential harm or negative consequences associated with something.

FAQs

How do I use "it can cause" in a sentence?

Use "it can cause" to describe a potential consequence or effect of something. For example, "Smoking can cause lung cancer."

What are some alternatives to "it can cause"?

You can use alternatives like "it may lead to", "it might result in", or "it could produce" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it can cause" or "it will cause"?

"It can cause" indicates a possibility, while "it will cause" suggests a certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the likelihood of the outcome.

What's the difference between "it can cause" and "it causes"?

"It can cause" expresses a potential or possible outcome. "It causes" indicates that the outcome happens regularly or always as a direct result.