root of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "root of" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used to indicate the cause of something. For example, "The root of all evil is money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(The root of all evil is greed).

The New Yorker

What was the root of the feud?

The New York Times

The root of the problem was motivation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Money is the root of all evil".

The New Yorker

"The root of the problem is structural.

The Economist

That is the root of it.

The New York Times

"Money's the root of the trouble.

The New Yorker

It is the root of Christian experience.

The New York Times

Christianity was the root of European greatness.

The Guardian

The root of the thing?

The Guardian - Film

The root of the beet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "root of", ensure you clearly identify what you consider to be the origin or cause. For instance, instead of simply stating "that's the root of it", specify what 'it' refers to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid superficial explanations. Dig deeper to uncover the fundamental cause, not just the immediate symptom. For example, addressing only the symptoms of a problem without understanding the "root of" the problem will not lead to a lasting solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "root of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It connects a noun (the "root") to another noun or noun phrase, indicating origin, cause, or essence. Examples from Ludwig show it used to identify the cause of problems or the foundation of concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "root of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the origin, cause, or foundation of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news, wiki and scientific publications. While maintaining a neutral register, it effectively serves the purpose of explaining underlying causes or origins. When seeking alternatives, consider "origin of", "source of", or "cause of" for similar meanings, but be mindful of subtle differences in nuance. Remember to use "root of" with clear referents to avoid ambiguity, and dig deep to identify true causes rather than superficial symptoms. Overall, "root of" is a reliable and valuable tool for writers aiming to provide deeper insights and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

origin of

Focuses on the point where something begins or arises.

source of

Highlights the place or thing from which something comes or is obtained.

cause of

Emphasizes the reason why something happens or exists.

basis of

Indicates the foundation or support on which something is based.

foundation of

Similar to 'basis of', but often suggests a more substantial or permanent base.

reason for

Directly asks or states the explanation for something.

core of

Refers to the central or most important part of something.

heart of

Similar to 'core of', but can also suggest the emotional or essential element.

crux of

Highlights the most important or decisive point at issue.

genesis of

Implies the beginning or creation of something, often used in a more formal context.

FAQs

How do I use "root of" in a sentence?

Use "root of" to specify the origin or cause of something. For example, "The "root of" the problem is a lack of communication." You can replace it with alternatives like "origin of" or "cause of", depending on the context.

What's a more formal way to say "root of"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "etiology of", "genesis of", or "foundation of" instead of "root of", particularly in academic or scientific writing.

Is it always appropriate to use "root of"?

While "root of" is generally acceptable, consider your audience and the tone of your writing. In very formal or technical contexts, a more precise term might be preferable. Consider synonyms like "source of" or "basis of".

What is the difference between "root of" and "roots of"?

"Root of" refers to a singular origin or cause, while "roots of" implies multiple contributing factors or origins. For example, "The "root of" the conflict was one misunderstanding," versus "The "roots of" the conflict were historical grievances and economic inequality."