key cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"key cause" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a cause that is considered particularly important. For example, "Climate change is a key cause of drought in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Matewere says that poverty is the key cause of child marriages in Malawi.

The Guardian

The current crisis has one key cause: a prolonged contraction of demand.

The Guardian - Opinion

In many studies, debt has been shown to be a key cause of mental illness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The disaster that is the reconstruction of Iraq has been the key cause of the insurgency.

The New Yorker

Habitat loss rather than cats is the key cause of concern when it comes to wildlife, he added.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A key cause of this increase was stagnant real incomes, so credit was used to keep living standards constant.

The Guardian - Opinion

Clearly, indifference by state policy makers has been a key cause of the Medicaid abuses in New York.

The New York Times

The pressure to remain constantly in touch with managers and colleagues was reported to be a key cause.

The Guardian - Tech

Linked to this is unemployment; a key cause of isolation is not having a job to go to.

The Guardian

The EU's "open border" policy, which allowed unrestricted internal migration, was a key cause of concern among voters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rise in unit labour costs (see chart) has been a key cause of Italy's chronic lack of growth.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key cause", ensure you provide sufficient context to explain why that particular cause is considered the most important or influential compared to other contributing factors.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "key cause" as the only cause. Acknowledge other contributing factors to provide a more nuanced and accurate explanation of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the most significant reason or factor responsible for a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key cause" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that highlights the most important factor contributing to a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for use in various contexts, especially in news, scientific, and formal writing. To use the phrase effectively, acknowledge other contributing factors and provide context explaining why the identified cause is considered the most significant. When using "key cause", avoid presenting it as the only contributing factor. Consider using synonyms such as "main reason" or "primary factor" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main reason

Replaces "cause" with "reason", emphasizing the rationale behind something.

primary factor

Substitutes "cause" with "factor", highlighting a contributing element of great importance.

root of the problem

Indicates the fundamental source or origin of a difficulty or issue.

central reason

Emphasizes the importance of the reason, suggesting it's a core element.

major contributing factor

Highlights a significant element that adds to a particular result or situation.

principal reason

Replaces 'key' with 'principal' and 'cause' with 'reason' maintaining the meaning.

prime driver

Changes the metaphor to driving force, implying a strong influence.

underlying cause

Focuses on a cause that may not be immediately obvious but is fundamental.

chief reason

Replaces "key" with "chief", indicating the top or most important reason.

primary determinant

Replaces 'cause' with 'determinant', highlighting something that strongly influences an outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "key cause" in a sentence?

Use "key cause" to highlight the most important factor contributing to a particular outcome or situation. For example, "Poverty is a "key cause" of limited access to education".

What are some alternatives to "key cause"?

Alternatives include "main reason", "primary factor", or "root of the problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "key cause" in formal writing?

Yes, "key cause" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and direct way to indicate the most important factor contributing to a particular result. It can be used in professional, academic and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "key cause" and "primary cause"?

While similar, "key cause" often suggests a cause that unlocks or explains a situation, whereas "primary cause" simply indicates the most significant cause among others.