root causes of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "root causes of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the fundamental reasons or underlying factors that lead to a particular issue or problem. Example: "To effectively address the issue of climate change, we must first identify the root causes of environmental degradation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The root causes of radicalisation are complex.

The Guardian - Opinion

What are the root causes of such atrocities?

The Guardian

That must mean tackling the root causes of the problem".

The Guardian

The root causes of crime are not poverty and racism.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We cannot isolate conflict from the root causes of it".

The New York Times

The root causes of the conflict would not be addressed.

The New York Times

How do we address root causes of violence?

The Guardian

Reform must address the root causes of poor performance.

The New York Times

Greater attention is paid to the root causes of disaffection.

The Economist

No doubt, injustices and policies can be argued over, but not as root causes of terror.

The New York Times - Arts

"Climate change is even one of the root causes of a new migration phenomenon.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "root causes of", ensure you're truly addressing the foundational issues, not just surface-level symptoms. A comprehensive analysis often requires digging deeper than initial observations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that factors merely associated with a problem are its "root causes". Thoroughly investigate and validate causal relationships before drawing conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "root causes of" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It identifies and specifies the underlying factors that are responsible for a particular issue or situation. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "root causes of" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for identifying the fundamental origins of problems across various domains. Ludwig confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Analysis reveals that its primary function is to explain and analyze, frequently appearing in news and media contexts to dissect intricate issues. To effectively use this phrase, ensure you're targeting foundational issues rather than surface-level symptoms, avoiding the common pitfall of mistaking correlation for causation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying reasons for

Focuses more on the rationale or justification behind something, rather than the initial cause.

fundamental basis of

Emphasizes the groundwork or essential structure upon which something is built or originates.

primary drivers of

Highlights the forces that propel or initiate a specific outcome or trend.

key contributing factors to

Identifies multiple elements that collectively lead to a particular result.

mainsprings of

Implies a source of energy or motivation behind a situation or action.

genesis of

Refers to the origin or mode of formation of something.

etiology of

Primarily used in medical or scientific contexts to describe the causes or origins of a disease or condition.

deep-seated origins of

Suggests that the origins are firmly established and possibly difficult to change.

ultimate source of

Points to the most basic or original cause from which everything else derives.

initial impetus for

Highlights the first action or influence that caused something to begin or develop.

FAQs

How can I use "root causes of" in a sentence?

Use "root causes of" to introduce the fundamental reasons behind a problem. For instance, "To solve poverty, we must address the "root causes of" inequality and lack of opportunity".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "root causes of"?

You can use alternatives such as "underlying reasons for", "fundamental basis of", or "primary drivers of", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "root causes of" and "symptoms of"?

"Root causes of" refer to the fundamental reasons behind a problem, while "symptoms of" are the observable effects or indicators of that problem. Addressing symptoms without tackling the "root causes of" offers only temporary relief.

Is it better to focus on "root causes of" or "immediate effects of" a problem?

While addressing immediate effects is crucial for short-term relief, focusing on the ""root causes of"" a problem is necessary for long-term, sustainable solutions. A balanced approach considers both.