leading cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'leading cause' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a factor that is responsible for the majority of a particular outcome or result. For example, "Lack of access to quality education was the leading cause of poverty in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cancer was the leading cause of death.

The New York Times

The leading cause of facial freezer burn.

The New York Times

Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents.

The Guardian

Suicide is the leading cause of premature mortality in Australia.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, it remains the leading cause of postnatal mortality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wasn't murder the leading cause of death for pregnant women?

The New Yorker

It is a leading cause of illness in young women.

The New Yorker

Worldwide, infectious disease is the leading cause of death.

The New York Times

Colic is the leading cause of death of horses.

The New York Times - Sports

The disease is the leading cause of hospitalization for children.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Homicide was the second-leading cause.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "leading cause", ensure that the evidence supports its prominence over other potential factors. Quantifiable data often strengthens the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "leading cause" when the relationship is merely correlational. Ensure there's a strong causal link before attributing primary responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading cause" functions as a noun modifier followed by a noun, typically identifying the primary reason for a particular outcome, event, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leading cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to identify the primary factor contributing to a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most commonly found in scientific and news media contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and neutral registers. When employing this phrase, ensure that evidence supports the claim of primary causality to avoid overstating relationships. Alternative phrases such as "primary reason", "main factor", and "chief contributor" can provide nuance depending on the specific context. The high expert rating reflects the phrase's grammatical correctness, source authority, and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary reason

This term shifts the focus slightly from causality to justification, highlighting the main explanation for something.

main factor

This alternative emphasizes the importance of a particular element in contributing to a result, broadening the scope beyond purely causal relationships.

chief contributor

This phrase highlights the active role of a specific agent or element in bringing about a particular outcome.

major determinant

This term suggests a stronger influence, implying that the identified factor significantly shapes or dictates the outcome.

principal driver

This metaphor implies a force that propels or directs a particular trend or event.

foremost factor

This phrase emphasizes the ranking and relative importance of a cause.

primary influence

This alternative widens the concept, indicating an effect on something that is not necessarily a direct consequence.

root cause

This phrase aims to identify the fundamental, underlying reason for a problem or situation.

number one reason

This alternative offers a simpler, more direct way to express the top reason for something.

central aspect

This term shifts the focus from causality to a key component or element of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "leading cause" to describe the primary factor contributing to a particular outcome, such as "Smoking is the "leading cause" of lung cancer".

What's a more formal alternative to "leading cause"?

In formal writing, you might use "primary factor", "principal driver", or "major determinant" instead of "leading cause".

Is it always accurate to identify a single "leading cause"?

Not always. Complex phenomena often have multiple contributing factors. Use "leading cause" when one factor demonstrably outweighs others.

What is the difference between "leading cause" and "contributing factor"?

"Leading cause" implies the primary reason or factor, while "contributing factor" suggests one of several elements that play a role. A "contributing factor" might not be the main driver.