main cause of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main cause of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most important reason for something. For example, "Lack of education is the main cause of poverty in developing countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The main cause of this is economics.

The Economist

Was this relentless schedule the main cause of his disintegration?

The Guardian - Sport

But the main cause of his stress was Di Luca.

The New York Times - Sports

Chytrid is now considered the main cause of their decline.

The Guardian

The main cause of friction was US policy towards Cuba.

The Guardian

This is the main cause of our fear.

The Guardian

Profligate fiscal policy is the main cause of Slovakia's problems.

The Economist

Low testosterone is rarely the main cause of erectile dysfunction.

The New York Times

Russian aggression is the main cause of this conflict.

Independent

The second main cause of peasant poverty was overpopulation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These compounds are the main cause of acid rain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, clearly define what you're identifying the cause of. For example, specify "the main cause of the economic recession" rather than just "the main cause".

Common error

Avoid attributing complex phenomena to a single "main cause" without acknowledging other contributing factors. Oversimplification can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main cause of" functions as a causal identifier, pinpointing the primary reason or origin behind a specific event, condition, or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Unknown/unmatched sources

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "main cause of" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for identifying the primary reason behind a particular outcome. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable for use in written English. Its frequent appearance in sources like "The Economist", "The Guardian", and "The New York Times" shows its acceptance in both journalistic and academic contexts. While "main cause of" is useful, consider alternatives such as "primary reason for" or "leading contributor to" for nuanced expression. When using "main cause of", ensure you provide adequate evidence and avoid oversimplifying complex situations. Being mindful of these practices will help you use this phrase effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary reason for

Emphasizes the reason being the most important.

chief factor in

Highlights the factor that is most influential.

principal source of

Focuses on the origin from which something primarily arises.

leading contributor to

Indicates a major element that adds to a particular outcome.

major determinant of

Stresses the critical role in deciding or influencing something.

key driver of

Highlights the force that propels or initiates something.

foremost reason behind

Stresses the reason that comes before all others in importance.

primary culprit in

Identifies the main guilty party or cause of a negative outcome.

central factor for

Highlights the element that is most important or essential.

root cause of

Focuses on the fundamental reason why something happens.

FAQs

How can I use "main cause of" in a sentence?

Use "main cause of" to identify the most significant reason for a particular event or situation. For example, "The "emission of CO2" is the main cause of global warming."

What are some alternatives to "main cause of"?

You can use alternatives such as "primary reason for", "chief factor in", or "leading contributor to" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "main cause of" in formal writing?

Yes, "main cause of" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and directly identifies the principal reason or source of something. However, ensure your claim is well-supported with evidence.

What's the difference between "main cause of" and "contributing factor to"?

"Main cause of" refers to the most significant reason, while "contributing factor to" indicates one of several factors that contribute to an outcome, but not necessarily the most important one.