secondary causes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secondary causes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing causation, particularly in philosophy, science, or theology, where one distinguishes between primary and secondary factors contributing to an outcome. Example: "While the primary cause of the event was clear, the secondary causes played a significant role in shaping its consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chains of reasoning from secondary causes are often essential to making big discoveries.

The New Yorker

They quickly came to see that God works through secondary causes over a long period of time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sitting atop this eternal platform is another layer, the "secondary causes," which can be safely left to science.

The New York Times - Science

A small number are due to secondary causes, such as a brain tumor, cerebral aneurysm, head injury, or infection.

The New Yorker

Dr. Corbally and Dr. O'Donoghue continue working through the night, collecting data on secondary causes — galactic tides, stellar birth.

The New York Times - Science

The minimum wage instead belongs on a list of secondary causes.

The New York Times

Table 2 Secondary causes of osteoporosis.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Nonetheless, diagnosis of BMS requires the exclusion of secondary causes.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Secondary causes of lymphoedema vary according to geographic distribution [2].

Health Economics Review

New onset headache should be carefully evaluated for secondary causes.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Secondary causes include trauma, neoplasm, adhesion or anticoagulation.

Surgical Case Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex phenomena, clearly distinguish between primary and "secondary causes" to provide a nuanced understanding of the contributing factors. This helps avoid oversimplification and acknowledges the multifaceted nature of causation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "secondary causes" are direct drivers of an outcome. Just because a factor is present alongside an effect doesn't mean it directly caused it. Always establish a clear causal link or acknowledge the potential for correlation rather than direct causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secondary causes" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a sentence or clause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, ranging from scientific discussions to news reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secondary causes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that identifies contributing factors distinct from primary causes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s applicable across various contexts, especially in scientific, news, and formal domains. When writing, it's crucial to clearly differentiate between primary and "secondary causes" to provide a nuanced perspective, while avoiding the common pitfall of mistaking correlation for causation. Alternative phrases like "contributing factors" or "indirect reasons" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secondary effects

Implies derived, second-order consequences or results.

contributing factors

Focuses on the idea of multiple elements that contribute to a result, rather than strictly defining them as primary or secondary.

indirect reasons

Emphasizes the lack of direct causation, highlighting a more circuitous relationship.

underlying factors

Highlights factors that might not be immediately obvious but still play a significant role.

ancillary influences

Stresses the supporting or auxiliary role of the influences.

additional triggers

Highlights extra elements that can initiate a series of events, beyond the main cause.

minor determinants

Implies that these causes have a smaller impact compared to other, more significant factors.

subordinate effects

Highlights the derived or dependent nature of these effects in relation to a primary cause.

associated elements

Focuses on the interconnectedness of different elements related to a particular outcome.

incidental factors

Suggests that these factors are not the main focus, but are nonetheless involved.

FAQs

How can I use "secondary causes" in a sentence?

You can use "secondary causes" to describe contributing factors that are not the primary reason for an event or condition. For example: "While the virus was the primary cause of the illness, stress and poor diet were significant "secondary causes"."

What's the difference between "primary causes" and "secondary causes"?

"Primary causes" are the main reasons something happens, while "secondary causes" are contributing factors that can exacerbate or influence the outcome, but are not the main drivers.

What can I say instead of "secondary causes"?

You can use alternatives like "contributing factors", "indirect reasons", or "underlying factors" depending on the context.

When should I use "secondary causes" in my writing?

Use "secondary causes" when you want to acknowledge that multiple factors contributed to an outcome, and you want to distinguish between the main reason (primary cause) and the additional influencing factors ("secondary causes").