particular cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "particular cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific reason or motivation behind an action or event. Example: "The researchers aimed to identify the particular cause of the disease outbreak in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Attila" is a particular cause.

The New York Times - Arts

But not in aid of any particular cause.

The Guardian - Books

"You're looking at not just one particular cause.

The New York Times

Recently they have had particular cause to worry.

The Economist

"I don't think anyone can pinpoint any particular cause," Mayor Brown said.

The New York Times

One even feels that Jerry and Margo Leadbetter would now sign up to this particular cause.

The Guardian

Urinary trouble that persists despite treatment is a particular cause for concern, she said.

The New York Times - Health

A. There is no particular cause; it's just a matter of odds.

The New York Times

Social networks like Facebook have simplified organizing around a particular cause.

The New York Times

He might have plenty more time to devout to that particular cause after tonight.

The Guardian - Sport

Moreover, many firms see virtue in tying themselves to a particular cause.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "particular cause", ensure that the context clearly identifies what makes the cause specific and distinct from others. For example, "The increased funding was allocated to address the particular cause of childhood obesity in underserved communities."

Common error

Avoid using "particular cause" when a more general term like "reason" or "factor" would suffice. Using "particular cause" implies a level of specificity that should be supported by the context. For example, instead of saying "Stress was the particular cause of his health issues," consider specifying the type of stress: "Chronic work-related stress was a significant factor in his health issues."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "particular cause" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific reason or motive for an action or event. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English, often appearing in contexts where a specific factor needs to be singled out.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "particular cause" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to highlight a specific reason or motivation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, though it appears most frequently in news, media, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the implication of specificity. While alternatives like "specific reason" and "distinct motive" exist, "particular cause" emphasizes the noteworthiness or significance of the reason in question. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid overgeneralization and to provide sufficient context to justify its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific reason

Focuses on the explicit reason behind an action or event.

distinct motive

Emphasizes a clear and unique motivation.

special case

Highlights a unique or exceptional instance.

unique factor

Singles out a one-of-a-kind contributing element.

determining influence

Stresses the impact of something that strongly affects an outcome.

driving force

Highlights a compelling impetus behind an action.

prime mover

Suggests the initial or primary source of action.

underlying rationale

Implies a deeper, less obvious reasoning.

mainspring

Emphasizes the essential or vital cause.

chief impetus

Highlights the principal stimulating factor.

FAQs

How to use "particular cause" in a sentence?

Use "particular cause" to refer to a specific reason or motivation behind an action or event. For example: "The researchers aimed to identify the "particular cause" of the disease outbreak in the region."

What can I say instead of "particular cause"?

You can use alternatives like "specific reason", "distinct motive", or "unique factor" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "particular cause" or "specific reason"?

"Particular cause" and "specific reason" are often interchangeable. However, "particular cause" implies that the reason is not only specific but also noteworthy or significant in some way.

What's the difference between "particular cause" and "general cause"?

"Particular cause" refers to a specific and identifiable reason, while "general cause" refers to a broader or more common factor. For instance, poverty is a general cause of crime, while a lack of job opportunities in a specific neighborhood could be a "particular cause".