most probable cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most probable cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as scientific research, investigations, or discussions where you are identifying the most likely reason for an event or outcome. Example: "After analyzing the data, we concluded that the most probable cause of the anomaly was a software glitch."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Data received from Schiaparelli before the signal was cut off indicates that a computer glitch being the most probable cause of the failure.

The Guardian

In 1983, Gallo nominated a cancer-related virus called HTLV, discovered in his laboratory in 1980, as the most probable cause of AIDS.

The New York Times - Books

The most probable cause of such wobbles is that the star in question has a planet or two tugging at it.

The Economist

"We believe there is a lack of material evidence needed to support 'suicide' as the most probable cause of death in this case," the family said through their attorney Shiraz Khan.

The Guardian

The most probable cause of this shark attack was mistaken identity from a learning behavioural stance as the individual begins to move onto larger prey items (pinnipeds and cetaceans) with inquisition taking over, but sadly resulting in a human fatality.

The Guardian

Investigators at first attributed the outbreak to improper food handling, the authors explain, because they were drawn to the most probable cause of the illness: " 'If it looks like a horse, don't think about zebras,' they are taught.

The New York Times - Books

In May, the naval activity was found to be the most probable cause of the deaths of at least 26 short-beaked common dolphins in Falmouth Bay, Cornwall in June 2008.

The Guardian

But on Monday, the news service Agence France-Presse quoted a top Ukrainian army commander, Vladimir Mojarovsky, as saying during a briefing in Kiev that "the most probable cause of this tragedy was a planned attack".

The New York Times

The study by Dr. Barnett and others, published in The Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, concluded that the "most probable cause" of the observed warming had been a combination of natural and human-made factors.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Tetrault also said that foam was "the most probable cause" of the disintegration of the shuttle, adding that it was the first time he had made such a statement.

The New York Times

This study was performed to identify the most probable cause of the pipe failure.

Case Studies in Engineering Failure Analysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most probable cause", ensure that you have sufficient evidence or reasoning to support your claim. Avoid presenting it as an absolute certainty unless thoroughly proven.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "most probable cause" as the definitive cause, especially in contexts where other potential factors may be involved. Acknowledge uncertainty if it exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most probable cause" primarily functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most likely reason or explanation for a specific event, condition, or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most probable cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for identifying the likeliest reason behind an event or phenomenon. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is adaptable across various contexts, although it is most prevalent in scientific and news-related domains. When employing this phrase, ensure sufficient evidence supports your assessment to prevent overstating certainty. Alternatives like "most likely reason" or "most plausible explanation" can offer nuance depending on the specific context. Finally, always acknowledge potential uncertainties when using the phrase, maintaining transparency and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most likely reason

Changes 'cause' to 'reason', focusing on the explanation rather than the event.

chief reason

Emphasizes the primary reason behind an event.

most plausible explanation

Replaces 'probable' with 'plausible' and 'cause' with 'explanation', suggesting the most believable account.

leading explanation

Focuses on the explanation and its prominence.

strongest determinant

Indicates the most influential factor in determining a result.

most credible factor

Substitutes 'probable' with 'credible' and 'cause' with 'factor', emphasizing believability and influence.

main contributing factor

Highlights the factor that contributed the most significantly.

prime suspect

Uses a metaphor to indicate the leading potential cause.

dominant influence

Highlights the prevailing effect or impact.

primary driver

Uses 'driver' to indicate the main force behind an outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "most probable cause" in a sentence?

You can use "most probable cause" to indicate the likeliest reason behind an event or phenomenon. For example, "The most probable cause of the accident was driver error".

What's a good alternative to "most probable cause"?

Alternatives include phrases like "most likely reason", "most plausible explanation", or "chief reason" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "most probable cause" and "most likely cause"?

The phrases "most probable cause" and "most likely cause" are largely interchangeable. Both indicate the most credible explanation for an event, but "most probable cause" might imply a slightly more formal or scientific tone.

When is it appropriate to use "most probable cause" in writing?

Use "most probable cause" in situations where you want to convey the most likely explanation based on available evidence, particularly in analytical or investigative contexts. This includes scientific reports, news articles, or formal assessments.