the cause for this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the cause for this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reason or explanation behind a particular situation or event. Example: "The researchers are still investigating the cause for this unexpected phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cause for this moment in the limelight?

The Guardian

Chandra's X-ray images show the cause for this brightening ring.

Harvard University

The cause for this discrepancing is the irreversible process of gas recombination in the cell.

Electrochimica Acta

The company pinpointed the closure of Mr. Gusev's site as the cause for this easing up.

The New York Times

Dedicated experimental designs and analyses are therefore needed to decipher the cause for this large uncertainty.

Global and Planetary Change

We launched an investigation to determine the cause for this increase.

American Journal of Infection Control

Surely he would agree that the cause for this war should be unambiguously clear to our citizens and to the world.

The New York Times

Let the experts debate the cause for this hot December (El Niño's southern oscillation?) and whether this weather is an aberration.

The New York Times

The cause for this condition appears to be the multiple-layered nature of the natural selection that shaped our progenitors' emotional apparatus.

Britannica

The cause for this confusion is a highly vocal and political battle between Council Speaker Peter Vallone and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

The New York Times

The cause for this difficulty can be traced in part to the works that Kant took as his models for philosophical writing.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the cause for this", ensure the 'this' clearly refers to a previously mentioned situation, event, or phenomenon. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two events occur together, one is necessarily "the cause for this". Always look for evidence of a direct causal link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the cause for this" functions as a causal connector, linking a statement to its underlying reason or origin. As indicated by Ludwig, it's used to introduce an explanation for a previously mentioned event or situation. Examples show it connecting observations to their explanations across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

32%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the cause for this" is a versatile and frequently used phrase functioning as a causal connector. It serves to introduce the reason or explanation behind a particular situation or event, as affirmed by Ludwig. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is found in diverse contexts, most prominently in scientific and news-related domains. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is grammatically sound and widely applicable, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication. Remember to ensure clear reference when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reason for this

This is a direct and commonly used alternative, focusing on the rationale behind something.

the explanation for this

This alternative highlights the act of clarifying or providing a detailed account.

the rationale behind this

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the logical basis or justification.

the grounds for this

This option is more formal and emphasizes the basis or foundation upon which something rests.

the basis for this

Similar to "the grounds for this", this focuses on the underlying support or justification.

the source of this

This alternative highlights where something originates or stems from.

the origin of this

Similar to "the source of this", this alternative highlights where something arises or begins.

the impetus for this

This emphasizes the driving force or motivation behind something.

what caused this

This is a more direct and active way of phrasing the question of causation.

the motivation for this

This focuses specifically on the underlying drive or incentive.

FAQs

What is another way to say "the cause for this"?

You can use alternatives such as "the reason for this", "the explanation for this", or "the rationale behind this" depending on the specific context.

Is "the cause for this" formal or informal?

The phrase "the cause for this" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "the basis for this" or "the grounds for this".

How do I use "the cause for this" in a sentence?

Use "the cause for this" to introduce the explanation or reason behind a specific event or situation. For instance, "The increase in sales was unexpected; the cause for this was a successful marketing campaign."

What's the difference between "the reason for this" and "the cause for this"?

While both phrases indicate an explanation, "the reason for this" generally refers to a logical justification, whereas "the cause for this" implies a direct factor that produced a specific result. You can use "the cause for this" when a chain of events is the explanation.