the cause of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the cause of which" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a cause that has already been mentioned in the sentence. For example, "He had difficulty finding employment, the cause of which was his lack of experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was an unusual intoxication, the cause of which I couldn't quite make out.

The New Yorker

It is a common condition, the cause of which may be difficult to find.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is principally involved with sudden death, the cause of which is not clearly evident.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No one else was injured in the fire, the cause of which is under investigation, he added.

The New York Times

Deforestation, the clearing or thinning of forests, the cause of which is normally implied to be human activity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But all this has been put at risk by the strike, the cause of which remains murky.

The Economist

[Page A20.] Oil Markets Shrug Off Tanker Blast Oil markets shrugged off the explosion on a French tanker, the cause of which remained uncertain.

The New York Times

Nobody was injured in the fire, the cause of which is still under investigation, said Jim Long, a Fire Department spokesman.

The New York Times

The disease, the cause of which is unknown, is a progressive scarring of the lungs that interferes with the transfer of oxygen into the blood.

The New York Times

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service came in to help fight the fire, the cause of which is still under investigation, Mr. Seiferman said.

The New York Times

He said the public nature of his daughter's death, the cause of which has not been determined, did not bother him.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the cause of which", ensure the sentence structure clearly links the phrase to its antecedent to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid placing "the cause of which" too far from the element it modifies; this can create confusion for the reader. Keep the phrase close to the noun or clause it explains.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the cause of which" functions as a relative clause, specifically an adjectival clause modifying a noun phrase. It introduces additional information about the cause, as demonstrated by Ludwig. The Ludwig AI confirms it as a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the cause of which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a relative clause to provide additional information about the reasons behind an event or situation. Ludwig examples shows its use in formal writing, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts, and its formal usage. While the Ludwig AI confirms its usability, remember that simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal settings. When using the phrase, ensure it clearly links back to the element it modifies to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reason for which

More direct and commonly used alternative, maintains a similar level of formality.

the root of which

Emphasizes the fundamental cause or core issue, often implying a deeper or more complex problem.

the origin of which

Focuses specifically on the point of commencement or creation of something.

the source of which

Highlights the starting point or derivation of something, often used when discussing information or materials.

the basis of which

Emphasizes the underlying foundation or principle upon which something is established.

the grounds for which

Implies a justification or rationale for something, often used in legal or formal contexts.

the impetus behind which

Highlights the driving force or initial motivation for something.

the determinant of which

Focuses on the factor that decisively affects or determines an outcome.

wherefore

Archaic and highly formal term indicating 'for what reason' or 'why'.

the wellspring of which

Evokes a sense of a rich, abundant source or origin, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

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

Use "the cause of which" to refer back to a previously mentioned noun or situation. For example: "The fire destroyed the building, "the cause of which" is still under investigation."

What are some alternatives to "the cause of which"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "the reason for which", "the origin of which", or simply restructuring the sentence for clarity.

Is "the cause of which" formal or informal?

"The cause of which" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "the reason why" or "because of this" might be more appropriate.

When is it best to use "the cause of which" over simpler alternatives?

Use "the cause of which" in formal writing or when you want to maintain a certain level of sophistication in your prose. In less formal contexts, simpler alternatives are often preferred for their directness.