it could be caused

USAGE SUMMARY

"it could be caused" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it anytime you want to suggest that something is a possible cause of something else. For example, "The accident was a result of a mechanical failure; it could be caused by a lack of proper maintenance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It could be caused by inhalation and accidental ingestion of coal and burnt wood fumes and residue.

The Guardian

It could be caused by anything from the temperature of the ingredients to the speed at which the oil is being added.

The New York Times - Food

There have been suggestions that it could be caused by reasons ranging from a lack of vitamin D to gut health and pollution.

The Guardian

He says he is uncertain what is causing the observed heating of the planet, adding that it could be caused by sunspots or the normal cycles of nature.

The New York Times

It could be caused majorly by sampling, we preferred to choose the complete kernels for isolating endosperm and embryo for sequencing.

Nature

In the upper abdomen, with weight loss in the over-55s, it could be caused by oesophageal or stomach cancer, but occurring elsewhere in the abdomen, in a patient aged 60, an urgent CT scan might reveal pancreatic cancer.

The Guardian

When Tom Wagg was 15, on work experience with an astrophysics professor at Keele University, he spotted a dip in the light from a star and realised it could be caused by a planet in front of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fact that it could be caused by tiny amounts of lipopolysaccharide was seen as consistent with a role for dormant bacteria in the aetiology of such diseases71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78.

Nature

However, loss of smell does not mean you will develop dementia, say the researchers, as it could be caused by other issues, such as inflammation in the nose from allergies, a sinus condition, or nasal polyps, all of which are treatable.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

No one ever mentioned anything about the fact that it could be causing my headaches".

The New York Times - Magazine

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) said that if the problem was replicated in other industries, it could be causing significant losses for taxpayers and the state.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it could be caused", ensure that the potential cause you are suggesting is plausible and aligns with the evidence you have presented. Avoid making speculative claims without any basis.

Common error

While "it could be caused" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing the sentence to highlight the agent causing the action, instead of the object being acted upon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could be caused" functions as a causal connector, suggesting a potential cause or reason for a particular phenomenon or situation. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it could be caused" serves as a versatile phrase used to propose potential causes or explanations, as verified by Ludwig AI's analysis. It finds frequent application across diverse fields such as science, news, and academia, indicating its broad applicability. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, careful consideration should be given to the context to ensure the suggested cause is plausible and supported by evidence. Remember to use it to present a possible cause and avoid the passive voice to sound more compelling. This phrase is a valuable tool for writers aiming to explore possibilities without making definitive claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may be attributed to

Replaces "could" with "may" and uses the more formal "attributed to".

it might be due to

Substitutes "could" with "might" and "caused" with "due to", suggesting a possible reason.

it can be triggered by

Focuses on the triggering event rather than a general cause.

a potential reason is

Highlights the reason as a potential explanation.

one possible explanation is

Introduces the idea that multiple explanations might exist.

it stems from

Implies that the cause is a root or origin.

it originates from

Suggests that the cause is the starting point of the issue.

the source of this is

Emphasizes the origin or source of the problem.

it arises from

Highlights that the cause is something that brings the problem into being.

the underlying factor may be

Focuses on a less obvious, fundamental cause.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it could be caused" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use phrases like "it may be attributed to", or "it might be due to" which lend a more academic or professional tone.

What's the difference between "it could be caused by" and "it is caused by"?

"It could be caused by" suggests a possibility or potential cause, while "it is caused by" indicates a definitive cause-and-effect relationship. The former is speculative, the latter is assertive.

Is "it could be caused from" grammatically correct?

No, "it could be caused from" is not grammatically correct. The correct preposition to use is "by". Therefore, the correct phrase is "it could be caused by".

When is it appropriate to use "it could be caused" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "it could be caused" when you want to suggest a possible reason for something, without stating it as a definite fact. It's useful in contexts where you're discussing potential factors or hypotheses.