Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
predict cause
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "predict cause" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express the idea of forecasting the reasons behind an event or outcome, but it lacks clarity and proper context. Example: "In order to understand the situation better, we need to predict the cause of the recent changes in the market."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
The Ohio Longitudinal Study of Aging and Retirement (OLSAR) 8 also showed that beliefs about aging predict cause-specific mortality.
The lognormal model can only predict cause-specific survival, because other coincidental causes of death are too unpredictable (e.g., the rate of stroke).
Science
Research has also shown that beliefs about aging predict cause-specific mortality, i.e. individuals with positive self-perceptions of aging were less likely to die of respiratory causes than individuals with negative self-perceptions of aging [ 3].
Science
This research work designed a novel Bayesian learning strategy to predict cause-specific death classes and proposed a graphical structure of key attributes to clarify the implicit relationships implicated in the data set.
Science
It would, she predicted, cause state legislators to reconsider any notions they had of allocating more money to New York City to satisfy a lawsuit that successfully challenged the state's financing formula.
News & Media
Salinity and seed coat toxicity stress (Deaker et al., 2004) have a strong influence on bacterial survival; however, temperature and the consequent desiccation rate have been the major predicted cause of bacteria injury on seeds.
Science
Our calculations display a clear trend of liquidity predicting causing volatility for exchange traded stocks in the TSX60.
However, the storm passed further east of Bermuda than initially predicted, causing only minor impact.
Wiki
This finding implies that information on medical causes of sickness absence can be of value to researchers and public health professionals interested in predicting cause-specific mortality.
The top five predicted causes of death for 2020 are heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, respiratory infections, and lung cancer [ 3].
Science
On the day of his execution, Brown seemed to predict the cause and extent of that conflict.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "predict cause" in formal writing. Opt for clearer alternatives like "forecast the cause" or "anticipate the reason" for improved readability and precision.
Common error
A common mistake is to use "predict cause" as a direct substitute for phrases like "determine the cause" or "forecast the reason". This substitution introduces grammatical errors and a lack of clarity. Always ensure that the verb and noun are properly connected to convey the intended meaning accurately.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "predict cause" attempts to combine a verb of forecasting with a noun indicating origin. Due to its ungrammatical nature, it does not function effectively in standard English. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is not correct.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "predict cause" is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is not correct. While the intention might be to forecast the reason behind an event, it's crucial to use more precise and grammatically sound alternatives such as "forecast the cause", "anticipate the reason", or "determine the origin". Avoiding "predict cause" will enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Therefore, steer clear of this phrasing and opt for grammatically accurate substitutes.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
forecast the cause
Replaces "predict" with a more direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.
anticipate the reason
Substitutes both "predict" and "cause" with alternatives, slightly altering the focus to anticipation rather than prediction.
determine the origin
Shifts the focus to identifying the source or beginning of something, offering a more definitive tone.
foresee the reason
Uses "foresee" as a synonym for "predict", emphasizing the ability to see something in advance.
explain the reason
Changes the action from predicting to explaining, implying a post-event analysis.
identify the source
Focuses on pinpointing the exact source or starting point of an event or problem.
speculate on the cause
Introduces an element of uncertainty or conjecture about the reasons behind an event.
ascertain the reason
Suggests a more formal and thorough investigation to discover the reason.
hypothesize the cause
Emphasizes the formulation of a testable explanation for the cause.
deduce the reason
Implies reaching a conclusion about the reason through logical reasoning and evidence.
FAQs
What is a grammatically correct alternative to "predict cause"?
Instead of "predict cause", consider using phrases like "forecast the cause", "anticipate the reason", or "determine the origin" for clearer and more accurate communication.
In what contexts is it inappropriate to use the phrase "predict cause"?
The phrase "predict cause" is generally inappropriate in formal writing, academic papers, and professional communication due to its grammatical awkwardness and lack of clarity. It's best to use more precise and grammatically correct alternatives.
How can I improve the clarity of my writing when discussing potential causes?
To enhance clarity, use specific verbs and nouns that accurately reflect the relationship between events and their causes. For example, "explain the reason" suggests a post-event analysis, while "identify the source" focuses on pinpointing the origin.
What's the difference between "predict cause" and "forecast the cause"?
While "predict cause" is grammatically questionable, "forecast the cause" is a grammatically correct and more widely accepted phrase. "Forecast" implies a reasoned estimation of future events based on available data, making it a more suitable choice.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested