the cause of the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the cause of the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the reason or factor that leads to a specific issue or difficulty. Example: "After thorough investigation, we identified the cause of the problem as a software glitch that affected the entire system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The cause of the problem?

The New York Times

The paint manufacturer was the cause of the problem".

The New York Times

Honda said electrical interference was the cause of the problem.

The New York Times

This is actually the cause of the problem.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

"We need to identify the cause of the problem before we decide who pays for what".

The New York Times

Yesterday, CNN said it was not certain of the cause of the problem.

The New York Times

And so it does sometimes rankle to see us criticised as the cause of the problem".

The Guardian

The cause of the problem has always been depicted as the republicans.

The Guardian - Opinion

Frightened and confused New Yorkers began attacking "homosexuals" as the cause of the problem.

The New York Times

Whatever the cause of the problem, Assurant says it is making amends.

The New York Times

Population is certainly a multiplier, but that does not make it the cause of the problem.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the cause of the problem", ensure you clearly define what "the problem" is to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the cause of the problem is unknown", specify: "the cause of the network outage problem is unknown."

Common error

Be careful not to confuse correlation with causation. Just because two things occur together doesn't mean one is "the cause of the problem". Ensure a clear causal link before asserting causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the cause of the problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the origin or reason behind a specific issue. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the cause of the problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to identify the origin of a specific issue. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While alternatives like "the source of the problem" or "the reason for the problem" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to clearly define "the problem" to avoid ambiguity, and be cautious about mistaking correlation for causation. This phrase finds common usage across news media, scientific publications, and even in everyday conversation, indicating its versatile applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the source of the problem

Replaces "cause" with "source", focusing on the origin of the issue.

the reason for the problem

Substitutes "cause" with "reason", highlighting the explanation behind the issue.

the origin of the problem

Replaces "cause" with "origin", emphasizing where the problem started.

the root of the problem

Uses "root" instead of "cause", suggesting a deeper, underlying issue.

the basis of the problem

Substitutes "cause" with "basis", referring to the fundamental reason for the issue.

the reason behind the problem

Adds "behind" to "the reason", stressing the hidden or less obvious explanation.

the underlying issue

Focuses on the less obvious problem that originates the main issue.

what's causing the problem

Changes the structure to a question, inquiring about the reason for the problem.

the factors contributing to the problem

Uses a plural form, referring to multiple elements that contribute to the issue instead of a single one.

the genesis of the problem

Emphasizes the initial point or origin of the issue with the term genesis.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "the cause of the problem"?

You can use phrases like "the source of the problem", "the reason for the problem", or "the root of the problem", depending on the context.

How can I use "the cause of the problem" in a sentence?

You can use it to identify the origin of an issue, for example: "After a thorough investigation, we determined that faulty wiring was "the cause of the problem"."

Which is more appropriate, "the cause of the problem" or "the problems"?

Use "the cause of the problem" when referring to a single, specific issue. If multiple issues are involved, use "the cause of the problems".

What's the difference between "the cause of the problem" and "the symptom of the problem"?

"The cause of the problem" refers to the origin or reason for the issue, while "the symptom of the problem" is the observable result or manifestation of that underlying cause. Identifying the cause is essential for a real solution, otherwise you are just dealing with the symptom.