multiple causes

USAGE SUMMARY

"multiple causes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, "Environmental degradation is a complex issue with multiple causes, including deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and pollution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Droughts have multiple causes.

The New York Times

There are multiple causes.

The Washington Post

Sometimes dementia has multiple causes.

Harvard University

The delays in recovery have multiple causes.

The New York Times

The next slump may have multiple causes.

The New York Times

This turned out to have multiple causes.

Stanford University

The Cretaceous extinction may very well have had multiple causes.

Britannica

The roots of his passion stem from multiple causes.

Stanford University

There are multiple causes of low back pain (see below).

University of California, Berkeley

"At this point in the research, Alzheimer's is a disease with multiple causes," Dr. Knowles said.

The New York Times

Even those historians interested in multiple causes never seemed to respect enough of them, thought Tolstoy.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "multiple causes", consider the relative importance of each. If some causes are more significant than others, indicate this to provide a clearer understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid treating "multiple causes" as completely independent entities. Often, these causes interact and influence each other, so acknowledging these relationships provides a more accurate and nuanced analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "multiple causes" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the presence of several factors contributing to a particular outcome or situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use across various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

29%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "multiple causes" is a versatile and frequently used term, indicating that an event or situation arises from several contributing factors. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse fields such as academia, news, and science, make it a reliable choice for expressing complexity. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: specify the causes and their relative significance to enhance understanding. While "multiple causes" is generally neutral in tone, consider alternatives like ""various reasons"" or ""contributing factors"" to suit specific contexts. A common pitfall is overlooking the interconnections between these causes, which can lead to a less accurate analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contributing factors

Highlights factors that contribute to a certain outcome.

various reasons

Focuses on the variety of reasons rather than the number of causes.

combination of factors

Emphasizes that the causes work together.

several factors

Highlights that there are a few elements instead of causes at play.

underlying reasons

Focuses on the foundational reasons behind an issue.

a range of factors

Emphasizes the breadth of contributing elements.

multiple contributing influences

Stresses the impact that causes exert.

various contributing elements

Highlights the diversity of contributing elements.

complex etiology

A more formal, often medical, way of saying multiple causes, referring to the origins or causes of a disease or condition.

a confluence of factors

Suggests that the factors meet and interact.

FAQs

How can I use "multiple causes" in a sentence?

You can use "multiple causes" to explain a complex situation with several contributing factors. For example, "The failure of the project was due to "multiple causes", including poor planning, lack of resources, and inadequate communication."

What are some alternatives to "multiple causes"?

Alternatives include "various reasons", "several factors", or "contributing factors", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to list "multiple causes" or group them into categories?

It depends on the complexity of the situation. Listing each cause individually provides detail, while grouping them can simplify the explanation. Choose the method that best enhances clarity and understanding.

What's the difference between "multiple causes" and "complex cause"?

"Multiple causes" implies several distinct factors contributing to an outcome. A "complex cause" suggests a single, intricate factor with many interacting components. The best term depends on whether the factors are separate or intertwined.