real cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "real cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the underlying reason or motivation behind an event or action. For example, "After years of research, scientists finally uncovered the real cause of the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The real cause was mass affluence.

The Economist

No real cause and effect.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Here there is real cause for concern.

The Economist

The real cause may be information itself.

The New York Times

There is no real cause for worry.

The New York Times - Health

The real cause often remains a mystery.

The New York Times

This is the real cause of Congress's crushing defeat.

The Guardian

"Explanation of the real cause will be, I fear, difficult".

The Guardian - Sport

They really think it's a real cause I'm championing.

The Guardian

Seven decades on, it is giving real cause for concern.

The Guardian

The real cause of the war is our medievalness".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "real cause", ensure you can substantiate your claim with evidence. Avoid speculation without supporting data.

Common error

Be cautious not to mistake correlation for causation when identifying the "real cause". Just because two events occur together doesn't mean one directly causes the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real cause" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in identifying the true or actual reason behind an event or situation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "real cause" is a frequently used and grammatically sound expression for identifying the true reason behind an event or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and is utilized across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific analyses. Its versatility stems from its neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing "real cause", it's crucial to avoid confusing correlation with causation and to substantiate claims with concrete evidence. Alternatives like "underlying reason" or "true reason" may be used depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying reason

Focuses on the foundational or fundamental reason behind something.

true reason

Emphasizes the veracity and accuracy of the cause.

actual reason

Highlights the genuine or factual cause.

root cause

Indicates the most fundamental or primary cause from which other causes arise.

primary driver

Suggests the main influencing factor or force.

chief factor

Highlights the most important element contributing to a particular outcome.

mainspring

Implies the central motivating factor or driving force.

core reason

Emphasizes the central or essential reason.

key factor

Signifies the most crucial contributing element.

principal motive

Focuses on the primary motivation or intention behind an action.

FAQs

How can I use "real cause" in a sentence?

You can use "real cause" to identify the primary reason behind an event or situation. For example: "The "real cause of" the economic crisis was irresponsible lending practices."

What are some alternatives to "real cause"?

Alternatives include "underlying reason", "true reason", or "actual reason", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "real cause" and "root cause"?

"Real cause" refers to the actual reason for something, while "root cause" implies the fundamental, underlying reason from which other causes arise. The root cause is often deeper and less obvious than the immediate real cause.

Is it better to use "real cause" or "main reason" in academic writing?

Both "real cause" and "main reason" are acceptable in academic writing. "Real cause" may be slightly more emphatic, highlighting that it's the true or actual cause, while "main reason" simply indicates the primary reason.