likely caused by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely caused by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a probable reason for an event or situation. Example: "The delay in the project is likely caused by unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was likely caused by the different seed mixture used.

Journal for Nature Conservation

This was likely caused by hysteresis in sorption of isoproturon.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

"Changes in fish populations are more likely caused by wetter winters".

The Guardian

The outbreak is most likely caused by bacteria in a contaminated batch of heroin, experts said.

The New York Times

They said the snag was most likely caused by friction between the layers of fabric.

The New York Times - Science

If so, that's likely caused by their loved ones behind fed up with their whining.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her doctor told her they were most likely caused by bathing in polluted water, she said.

The New York Times

This was likely caused by water somewhere else getting to the base of the ice sheet.

The Washington Post

Ryan Backus's accident was very likely caused by his speed, experts who analyzed the data agree.

The New York Times

They said the layer was more likely caused by a big storm, not a tsunami.

The New York Times

The resurgence of townhouse listings is most likely caused by a mix of factors.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely caused by", ensure the causal relationship is supported by evidence or logical reasoning to avoid making unsubstantiated claims. Using qualifiers like 'most' or 'very' can further refine the degree of certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "likely caused by" when the relationship is merely a correlation or speculation. Instead, use phrases that indicate uncertainty, such as 'may be associated with' or 'could potentially be related to', if the causal link is not firmly established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely caused by" functions as a causal connector, indicating a probable but not definitive cause-and-effect relationship. As Ludwig AI shows, it's commonly used to suggest a reason for an event or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likely caused by" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed causal connector used to suggest a probable cause for a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, indicating its versatility and acceptance across various domains. While it implies a strong possibility, it also acknowledges a degree of uncertainty, making it essential to use qualifiers appropriately and avoid overstating causation. Alternatives such as "probably due to" or "possibly resulting from" can be considered depending on the desired level of certainty. Remember to substantiate your claims with evidence to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably due to

Indicates a high degree of probability, similar to "likely caused by", but uses a different preposition.

most likely a result of

Emphasizes the high probability of the cause, adding more certainty than the original phrase.

possibly resulting from

Suggests a potential cause-and-effect relationship, implying less certainty than "likely caused by".

stemming from

Implies that the cause originates or arises from something, indicating a developmental relationship.

arising out of

Similar to 'stemming from', suggesting an origin or emergence of the effect from the cause.

attributable to

Formally assigns the cause to something, suitable for technical or official contexts.

potentially a consequence of

Highlights that the result is a possible outcome of a specific event or situation, suggesting a cause-effect relationship.

plausibly explained by

Suggests a reasonable explanation for something, focusing on the plausibility of the cause.

conceivably due to

Indicates that something is possible, but not necessarily probable, as a cause.

hypothesized to result from

Suggests that the relationship is based on a hypothesis or theory, implying less certainty.

FAQs

What does "likely caused by" mean?

The phrase "likely caused by" indicates that something is probably the reason for a particular event or situation. It suggests a strong possibility but does not guarantee absolute certainty.

How can I use "likely caused by" in a sentence?

You can use "likely caused by" to suggest a probable reason for an occurrence. For example: "The project delay was "probably due to" unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "likely caused by"?

Alternatives include "probably due to", "possibly resulting from", or "most likely a result of", depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

What's the difference between "likely caused by" and "certainly caused by"?

"Likely caused by" suggests a strong possibility but acknowledges uncertainty. "Certainly caused by" indicates complete assurance and leaves no room for doubt about the cause.