proximate cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proximate cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a cause that is nearest in a sequence of events leading to an effect. For example, "The accident was caused by a punctured tire, which is the proximate cause of the crash."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Complacency among Americans was the proximate cause.

The New York Times

Ecology: The proximate cause of frog declines?

Nature

proximate cause furthers the goal of spreading...

Harvard University

A supposedly proximate cause is supplied for the couple's split.

The Guardian - Film

This was only the proximate cause of their demise, however.

Harvard Business Review

Everyone agrees that an iceberg was the proximate cause.

The New York Times - Science

Proximate cause is, however, related to all such goals.

Harvard University

Some elements in proximate cause, like the requirement of foreseeability..

Harvard University

Privacy was, perhaps, the proximate cause of my recent pyromania.

The New York Times

The proximate cause, the firing of NPR commentator Juan Williams, is laughable.

The Guardian - Opinion

His angry wildness alienated his father, and was the proximate cause of his stepfather's decampment.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or technical matters, use "proximate cause" to precisely indicate the legally recognized cause of an event. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "proximate cause" when you mean the underlying or fundamental reason. "Proximate cause" refers to the direct trigger, not necessarily the deepest root of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proximate cause" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It identifies the most direct or immediate cause of an event, especially in legal and analytical contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proximate cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, particularly in legal, academic, and scientific contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English.

It serves to identify the most direct cause of an event, and while alternatives like "direct cause" or "immediate cause" exist, "proximate cause" offers a specific nuance often required in formal analysis. Its usage is widespread in news media, academic research, and scientific publications, solidifying its place as a key term for explaining causal relationships. When using this term, remember that it identifies the most direct trigger and isn't necessarily the 'ultimate' or deepest reason.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct cause

Focuses on the directness of the causal relationship, implying no intervening factors.

immediate cause

Highlights the temporal closeness of the cause to the effect, emphasizing the lack of delay.

main reason

Simplifies the concept to the primary factor contributing to a result, suitable for less formal contexts.

primary factor

Emphasizes the significance of the cause as a key element in producing the outcome.

key contributor

Highlights the role of the cause as a significant element that contributed to the effect.

chief reason

Indicates that the cause is the most important or prominent among other possible factors.

root cause

Suggests delving deeper to find the fundamental origin or underlying reason for an issue.

driving force

Implies a powerful and influential cause that propels or initiates an event or process.

precipitating factor

Highlights the cause that triggered a sudden or significant event.

causative agent

A more technical term emphasizing the active role of the cause in producing a specific effect, often used in scientific or medical contexts.

FAQs

What is the definition of "proximate cause"?

The term "proximate cause" refers to the event or action that directly leads to a particular outcome or injury, without which the outcome would not have occurred.

How does "proximate cause" differ from cause in fact?

"Cause in fact" establishes a direct link between an action and an outcome, while "proximate cause" /s/adds the element of foreseeability and directness, limiting liability to consequences that are a natural and probable result of the action.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "proximate cause"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases such as "direct cause", "immediate cause", or "main reason". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is "proximate cause" used in legal contexts?

In law, "proximate cause" is a crucial element in determining liability. It establishes that the defendant's actions were a substantial factor in bringing about the plaintiff's injury and that the injury was a foreseeable consequence of those actions.