material causes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "material causes" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in philosophical or scientific contexts to refer to the physical substances or elements that make up an object or phenomenon. Example: "In Aristotle's philosophy, understanding the material causes of an object is essential to grasping its nature and purpose."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

-- Science deals only with the material causes of material phenomena.

The New York Times

What do the phrases "material causes" and "material reality" mean in the context of this pamphlet?

The New York Times

NASUWT general secretary Chris Keates has said such material causes teachers "untold distress and trauma".

The Guardian

We can correctly reconstruct the moving causes that brought us about, and analyze our material causes.

The New York Times

They also suggest that, as in the theater, spiritual events can have material causes: "To make an object luminous.

The New York Times - Books

Another reason we dismiss the material causes of war is that aggressive wars of colonization tend to fail.

The New York Times - Books

Doctors in other specialties were using microscopes and chemical assays to discern the material causes of illness and to classify diseases accordingly.

The New Yorker

The uneven resistance to erosion of nonhomogenous material causes irregularities in a meandering stream, such as the stacking of meanders upstream of an obstruction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To do so betrays a commitment to "metaphysical naturalism," the doctrine that nature is a system of material causes and effects sealed off from outside influences; and that, they say, is a matter of faith, not proof.

The New York Times - Books

"As Lenz points out, the unnecessary removal of non-infringing material causes significant injury to the public where time-sensitive or controversial subjects are involved," wrote Jeremy Fogel, a judge who declined to dismiss the lawsuit in 2008.

The Guardian - Tech

Everything you feel that you're choosing because you affirm it as good — your career, your marriage, reading The New York Times today, or even espousing reductionism — you'll have to regard intellectually as just an effect of moving and material causes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "material causes", ensure the context clearly indicates a focus on tangible, physical factors rather than abstract or metaphysical explanations.

Common error

Avoid conflating "material causes", which refer to the substance something is made of, with efficient causes, which refer to the agent that brings something about. For example, the wood is the material cause of a table, while the carpenter is the efficient cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material causes" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the physical components or factors that contribute to a specific event or phenomenon, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "material causes" is grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in scientific, philosophical, and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and relevance across varied disciplines. It refers to the physical substances or elements that bring about an effect. While alternatives like "physical causes" or "underlying reasons" exist, the specific choice depends on the nuance intended. Understanding the distinction between "material causes" and other types of causes, such as formal or efficient causes, is crucial for precise communication. Its usage is especially prevalent in explaining phenomena through tangible, testable factors, aligning with core principles of scientific inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical causes

Focuses specifically on causes that are physical in nature, often implying observable or measurable factors.

causal factors

Specifically refers to the factors that contribute to a cause-and-effect relationship.

mechanical causes

Implies causes that are related to physical mechanisms or processes.

underlying reasons

Highlights the reasons that form the foundation or basis of something.

root causes

Emphasizes the fundamental or primary causes that initiate a chain of events.

determining factors

Stresses the factors that decisively influence or control a particular outcome.

naturalistic explanations

Focuses on explanations grounded in natural phenomena and processes, avoiding supernatural elements.

primary drivers

Highlights the main forces or influences that propel or initiate an event.

contributing elements

Focuses on the individual elements that together play a role in causing something.

empirical basis

Emphasizes the evidential foundation in observation or experience.

FAQs

How does the concept of "material causes" relate to scientific inquiry?

In science, investigating "material causes" often involves identifying the physical substances, forces, or conditions that lead to a specific phenomenon. This approach aligns with the scientific method's emphasis on observable and testable explanations.

What is the difference between "material causes" and "formal causes"?

"Material causes" refer to the physical components of something, while "formal causes" refer to its structure or design. For example, the clay is the material cause of a pot, while the shape is the formal cause.

Are "material causes" relevant in fields outside of science and philosophy?

Yes, the concept of "material causes" can be applied to various fields. In history, for instance, one might analyze the "economic factors" or resource availability as material causes of a conflict.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "material causes"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "physical factors", "underlying reasons", or "causal agents" to convey a similar meaning.