one cause at a time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one cause at a time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of addressing individual issues or factors sequentially rather than simultaneously. Example: "To solve this complex problem, we need to tackle one cause at a time to ensure we understand each factor's impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

One cause at a time, please.

The New York Times - Arts

This model is certainly doing its part, and sparking a great thirst for greater innovation and better efficiency, one cause at a time.

Huffington Post

Rally.org will continue to partner with incredible causes and films in an effort to change the world one cause at a time.

Huffington Post

In the first episode of Compassion Fashion, which airs Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, Robledo talks about some of her favorite sustainable brands, and tells you what they are doing to improve the fashion industry, one cause at a time.

Huffington Post

But a city where doing many things at once is as natural as breathing can certainly help out more than one cause at a time.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Environmentalists are true superheroes, literally saving the the world one sustainable cause at a time.

Huffington Post

Helping one person is a cause for celebration to me, and I plan to keep celebrating that one-at-a-time connection by Vining my heart out.

Huffington Post

When social good star Henry Timms created Giving Tuesday in 2012, he envisioned an initiative that would make a difference, and change the world -- one amazing, inspiring cause at a time.

Huffington Post

The psychological therapy we've been doing, some call it the Feeling Safe Program, is tackling each of those causes one at a time, and we've shown that you can then reduce the delusions.

Vice

Brain injury can cause overwhelm -- a broken filter -- if too much comes at you at once so I was forced to focus on one thing at a time.

Huffington Post

So, in closing, I just ask that next time you are invited to give to a charity when you are out running errands, pause for a moment and say "yes!" Your support is sustaining many important causes one dollar at a time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one cause at a time" to emphasize a focused, methodical approach to problem-solving or advocacy. It suggests prioritizing and addressing issues in a deliberate sequence, rather than attempting to tackle everything simultaneously.

Common error

Avoid using "one cause at a time" when the situation genuinely requires a multi-faceted approach. Ensure the context supports the idea that isolating and addressing a single cause will lead to meaningful progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one cause at a time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or verb phrase by specifying the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one cause at a time" advocates for a methodical approach, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues sequentially for clarity and effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, and though examples are relatively rare, the phrase appears in reputable news and science contexts. By focusing on individual aspects, this approach suggests a strategy of deliberate and thorough problem-solving, making it a valuable tool in various communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one issue at a time

Replaces 'cause' with 'issue', focusing on problems or concerns.

one problem at a time

Substitutes 'cause' with 'problem', emphasizing difficulties or challenges.

one step at a time

Focuses on incremental progress, breaking down tasks into manageable steps.

one thing at a time

A more general phrase, applicable to various situations beyond specific causes.

one task at a time

Emphasizes focusing on individual tasks in a sequence.

one item at a time

Highlights dealing with individual items in a collection or list.

one aspect at a time

Focuses on examining or addressing individual aspects of a larger subject.

one element at a time

Similar to 'aspect', but implies a more fundamental component.

sequentially addressing each cause

A more formal and descriptive alternative.

tackling each cause individually

Highlights the act of confronting each cause separately.

FAQs

How can I use "one cause at a time" in a sentence?

You can use "one cause at a time" to suggest focusing on individual problems sequentially. For example: "To solve this complex issue, we need to address "one cause at a time" to ensure we understand its impact."

What phrases are similar to "one cause at a time"?

Similar phrases include "one issue at a time", "one problem at a time", or "one step at a time", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "one cause at a time" in formal writing?

Yes, "one cause at a time" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when advocating for a structured and methodical approach. However, consider alternatives like "sequentially addressing each cause" for an even more formal tone.

What's the difference between "one cause at a time" and "addressing multiple causes simultaneously"?

"One cause at a time" implies a sequential, focused approach, while "addressing multiple causes simultaneously" suggests a broader, more comprehensive strategy. The best approach depends on the complexity of the problem and the available resources.