the above cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the above cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previously mentioned reason or justification in a discussion or argument. Example: "In light of the above cause, we must reconsider our approach to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Expression data set at one point was limited in differentiating the above cause and consequence, yet it certainly revealed the complexity of the carcinogenic process and the intricate relationship of PIK3CA signalling with other cellular processes.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In this case, there was no positive history for any of the above causes.

Gynecological Surgery

I do not suggest that any of the above caused this horrific crime, but the atmosphere sure did not help.

Huffington Post

A soul is able to advance on the spiritual ladder called, only when it is able to eliminate the above causes of bondage one by one.

Wikipedia

All but one of the above causes of death have a large and active community of medical or public health researchers exploring ways to reduce or prevent fatalities.

Los Angeles Times

Annual mortality rates, expressed as deaths per 10,000 PYs, were then calculated for each of the above cause-of-death categories by gender and age group.

Global Health Action

To decrease the high mortality of elderly patients with candidemia, the absence of antifungal therapy should be avoided by taking measures to correct the above causes.

BMC Infectious Diseases

And, with no-one left below the machine finally stops growing, just as the weight of all the people and plants on the platforms above causes them to crash to the ground, covering everything in greenery again.

The Guardian

Morning sun slanted in from the skylights above, causing small buckles in the seams of the wall to cast slight shadows.

The New York Times - Arts

This direction, added to the three above, causes chaos; if the students can show two conditions and sketch a third, four is entirely beyond them.

Huffington Post

The lawsuit is between the company and lawyers for thousands of people who sued the company because they said the drug, above, caused diabetes and weight gain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the above cause", ensure that the cause has been clearly and explicitly stated earlier in the text. Avoid ambiguity by being specific.

Common error

Avoid using "the above cause" if the cause is only implied or vaguely suggested. Always provide a clear and direct statement of the cause before referring back to it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the above cause" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a previously mentioned reason or origin. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, referring back to a cause already established in the text.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the above cause" serves as a direct reference to a previously mentioned reason or explanation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable, although relatively rare in occurrence. It is best suited for formal and scientific writing where clarity and conciseness are essential. When using this phrase, ensure that the cause has been explicitly stated earlier in your text to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives such as "the aforementioned cause" or "the previously stated cause" can provide a more sophisticated tone in academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the aforementioned cause

Replaces "above" with "aforementioned", maintaining formality and referring to something previously mentioned.

the previously stated cause

Substitutes "above" with "previously stated", offering a slightly more explicit reference to a prior statement.

the foregoing reason

Uses "foregoing" instead of "above", indicating something that precedes in the text or discussion.

the prior cause

Replaces "above" with "prior", shortening the phrase while retaining the meaning of a preceding cause.

the earlier cause

Substitutes "above" with "earlier", indicating a cause mentioned at a previous point.

the identified cause

Replaces "above" with "identified", implying a specific cause has been determined.

the specified cause

Substitutes "above" with "specified", suggesting the cause was clearly defined.

the indicated cause

Replaces "above" with "indicated", meaning the cause was pointed out or suggested.

the source above

Shifts the focus to the origin, utilizing the term source.

the basis above

Focuses on the foundational aspect, changing it to basis.

FAQs

How can I use "the above cause" in a sentence?

Use "the above cause" to refer to a reason or explanation that you've already mentioned. For example, "Due to the previously mentioned factors, and specifically "the above cause", we must reconsider our strategy."

What's a more formal way to say "the above cause"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "the aforementioned cause" or "the foregoing reason". These alternatives maintain a professional and academic feel.

Is "the above cause" too informal for academic writing?

While "the above cause" is acceptable, using phrases like "the aforementioned cause" or "the previously stated cause" may be preferred in academic contexts for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "the above cause" and "the following cause"?

"The above cause" refers to a cause that has already been mentioned, while "the following cause" introduces a cause that will be explained next. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the order in which you present information.