potentially caused by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "potentially caused by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing possible reasons or factors that may have led to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The increase in traffic accidents may be potentially caused by the recent changes in road conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prolongation of the cardiac action potential on the other hand, potentially caused by decreased Kcnip1 expression, is associated to cardiac hypertrophy [ 33].

BMC Genomics

One death in Swansea is being investigated as potentially caused by measles.

The Guardian

The court heard their motivations were fears about air pollution potentially caused by a third runway at Heathrow, the urgency of climate change and social inequality.

The Guardian

For δ13CCH4 analysis isotope fractionation potentially caused by the mist and moisture remover is negligible [13].

Geochemical Transactions

The visible fluctuations are potentially caused by unstable connections between conduct wire and the sensor elongation.

Robotics and Biomimetics

These muscle regions showing oedematous changes, which are potentially caused by inflammation, should be targeted.

Insights into Imaging

15.In GI bleeding potentially caused by ulcers, PPI treatment should be started without waiting for endoscopic diagnosis (weak agreement).

Annals of Intensive Care

Atherosclerosis results from chronic inflammation potentially caused by translocation of bacterial components from the oro-gastrointestinal tract to circulation.

AMB Express

16.In GI bleeding potentially caused by ulcers, high-dose PPI treatment should probably be administered (weak agreement).

Annals of Intensive Care

However, the accident records currently available in Rwanda do not provide information on accidents potentially caused by RHD vehicles.

European Transport Research Review

These new "waves" were potentially caused by the direct reduction of sulfurous acid or bisulfite ions on the steel surface.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "potentially caused by", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the cause is not definitively confirmed, and consider providing evidence or further explanation to support the possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "potentially caused by" when the cause is already known or strongly supported by evidence. Instead, use more definitive language such as "caused by" or "due to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potentially caused by" serves as a causal connector, linking a possible cause to an effect. It indicates a relationship where the cause is not definitively proven but is considered a plausible explanation, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "potentially caused by" is a causal connector used to suggest a possible, but not definitively proven, reason for an outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, especially in science and news contexts. When writing, it's crucial to ensure that the context reflects the uncertainty implied by the phrase, and avoid overstating the cause when stronger evidence exists. Alternatives such as "possibly due to" or "may be attributed to" can be used to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possibly due to

Expresses a similar degree of possibility but uses "due to" instead of "caused by".

may be attributed to

Indicates a possible cause or reason, using a more formal tone.

could result from

Suggests a potential outcome or consequence of something.

might stem from

Implies an origin or source as a possible cause.

possibly brought about by

Focuses on the action of causing something to happen, with a sense of possibility.

conceivably triggered by

Highlights the idea of something initiating a chain of events.

plausibly explained by

Suggests a reasonable explanation for something, implying a cause.

ostensibly arises from

Indicates an apparent or presumed cause, often implying uncertainty.

is speculated to originate from

Expresses an idea that is believed to be the source.

is rumored to result from

Highlights something not known with certainty to cause another.

FAQs

How can I use "potentially caused by" in a sentence?

Use "potentially caused by" to suggest a possible reason for something, without stating it as a definite fact. For instance, "The delay was potentially caused by the weather conditions".

What are some alternatives to "potentially caused by"?

You can use alternatives like "possibly due to", "may be attributed to", or "could result from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "potentially caused by" or should I use "caused by"?

Use "potentially caused by" when the cause is uncertain or speculative. Use "caused by" when the cause is known and confirmed.

What's the difference between "potentially caused by" and "likely caused by"?

"Potentially caused by" indicates a possibility, while "likely caused by" suggests a higher probability based on available evidence. The phrase "likely caused by" expresses a stronger level of confidence.