possibly causing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possibly causing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential effects or consequences of an action or situation. Example: "The heavy rainfall is possibly causing flooding in low-lying areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rhythmic steps set up a harmonic frequency of sway in the bridge, possibly causing its collapse.

The New York Times

In the meantime, water will continue to be pumped around the shaft, possibly causing more subsidence.

The New Yorker

And the Chinese dams are filtering sediment from the water, possibly causing erosion.

The New York Times

Bacteria from the gum infection enter the blood, possibly causing the body to produce more clotting factors.

The New York Times - Health

In 2005, Trinity narrowed the channel behind the head, possibly causing the system to jam, state officials have said.

The New York Times

He didn't care about a body part he'd never heard of, possibly causing a disease with symptoms he didn't feel.

The New York Times

Everyone, he said, had their own hopes, and did not want them damaged by possibly causing dissension.

The New York Times - Sports

The combination means "one or more of the wheel lug nuts could detach" possibly causing a crash.

The New York Times

It costs airlines money by requiring more personnel at security checkpoints and pressures workers to move swiftly, possibly causing them to overlook dangerous items.

The New York Times

He said the charges against Williams could potentially harm his civil cases, because potential jurors could be aware that Williams was indicted for possibly causing the fight.

The New York Times - Sports

Meanwhile, one reader, David Ochoa, addressed the problem mentioned last week of items falling out of overtaxed overhead bins and possibly causing injury.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "possibly causing", ensure the context clearly indicates that the causal relationship is not definitively established, but rather a plausible outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "possibly causing" when stronger evidence suggests a more definite causal link; instead, use phrases like "likely causing" or "is causing" to reflect the stronger connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possibly causing" functions as a qualifying element within a sentence, softening a statement of causation. It indicates a potential causal relationship without asserting it as a definite fact. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signals a degree of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "possibly causing" is a versatile expression used to indicate a potential, but not definitively proven, causal relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When choosing this phrase, consider the degree of certainty you wish to convey and avoid overstating causation. By understanding the nuances of "possibly causing" and its alternatives, you can enhance the precision and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possibly lead to

Very similar in meaning, but uses a different verb.

potentially leading to

Emphasizes the potential for a consequence.

may result in

Expresses a possibility with a slightly more formal tone.

could bring about

Suggests a causal relationship, often implying a significant change.

might trigger

Implies a more immediate and direct causal link.

might be responsible for

Assigns a degree of accountability for an outcome.

conceivably induce

More formal and scientific, suggesting a potential mechanism.

can contribute to

Suggests that the phrase is one of several factors.

has the potential to create

Highlights the inherent capacity for an outcome to occur.

is capable of generating

Similar to the previous alternative but with the usage of "generating" instead of "creating".

FAQs

How can I use "possibly causing" in a sentence?

Use "possibly causing" to suggest a potential but unconfirmed cause-and-effect relationship. For example, "The new regulations are "possibly causing" a decline in small business investment."

What are some alternatives to "possibly causing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "potentially leading to", "may result in", or "could bring about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "possibly causing" in formal writing?

Yes, "possibly causing" is acceptable in formal writing when you need to express uncertainty about a causal relationship. However, ensure that your writing remains clear and precise.

How does "possibly causing" differ from "definitely causing"?

"Possibly causing" indicates a potential cause without certainty, while "definitely causing" asserts a confirmed and direct cause-and-effect relationship. Using the right phrase is crucial for accuracy and credibility.