major cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"major cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that has a significant impact or influence on a particular event, situation, or phenomenon. For example, "The major cause of the rise in poverty across the region is lack of access to education."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Duplication is another major cause of inefficiency.

The New York Times

A major cause for concern.

The Guardian

He discounts ethnicity as the major cause.

The New York Times

High housing costs are a major cause.

The New York Times

Hardly a major cause for concern.

The Guardian

Burns were a major cause of death.

The Washington Post

TBI is a major cause of disability.

European Psychiatry

Alcoholism is a major cause of death.

Medicina Clínica

The TPV was the major cause of the SIEVX disaster.

The Guardian - Opinion

Children's services were identified as another major cause for concern.

The Guardian

Habitat loss is a major cause, said Dr Warren.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major cause", ensure that there is sufficient evidence to support the claim that the identified cause is indeed the most significant contributor to the outcome. Avoid oversimplification of complex issues by acknowledging other contributing factors.

Common error

Avoid presenting "major cause" as the only cause, which can lead to misunderstandings. Always acknowledge the presence of other contributing factors, even if they are less significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major cause" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most important factor leading to a particular result or outcome. It is used to pinpoint the primary reason something happens. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in written English to refer to something that has a significant impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major cause" is a versatile term used to identify the most significant contributing factor to a given outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, noting its function to describe something with considerable impact. It is prevalent in scientific, news, and formal contexts, signifying its widespread applicability. While grammatically sound and commonly employed, it's essential to ensure sufficient evidence supports its application, acknowledging other potential contributing elements. When searching for alternatives, consider "primary reason" or "leading factor" for a similar impact. This phrase plays a crucial role in clear and informative communication, allowing for concise explanation of complex phenomena.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary reason

Replaces "cause" with "reason", emphasizing the rationale behind an event or situation.

leading factor

Substitutes "cause" with "factor", highlighting a contributing element that is prominent.

main contributor

Focuses on the aspect of contribution, changing "cause" to "contributor".

key determinant

Emphasizes the aspect of determination, with "cause" changed to "determinant".

principal driver

Uses a more active term, "driver", instead of "cause", suggesting a force that propels an event.

significant factor

Emphasizes the significance of the factor, rather than directly attributing cause.

chief source

Highlights the origin of something, changing "cause" to "source".

underlying reason

Focuses on the fundamental or foundational aspect of the reason behind something.

root of the problem

Shifts the focus to the problem itself and its origin, offering a more problem-oriented perspective.

central element

Emphasizes the importance of a component, using "element" instead of "cause".

FAQs

How do I use "major cause" in a sentence?

Use "major cause" to identify the most significant factor contributing to a particular outcome. For example, "Smoking is a "major cause" of lung cancer."

What can I say instead of "major cause"?

You can use alternatives like "primary reason", "leading factor", or "main contributor" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "major cause" or "main cause"?

Both "major cause" and "main cause" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "major cause" and "significant factor"?

"Major cause" directly implies a causal relationship, while "significant factor" indicates an important element without explicitly stating it's the main driver.