the core cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the core cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the fundamental reason or underlying factor behind a situation or issue. Example: "In order to address the problem effectively, we must first identify the core cause of the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Social services help after trauma, but a long-term solution requires identifying the core cause.

The New York Times

Sweetness enhancers could prove important if it turns out that the fructose portion of sugar is the core cause of ills like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

The New York Times

The great economist Irving Fisher thought that the increasing real burden of debt resulting from deflation was the core cause of the Great Depression.

The New York Times

Some activists and researchers say that minerals are not the core cause of Congo's war, that there are other, more powerful factors, such as political and ethnic struggles and conflicts over land.

The Guardian

The core cause for such flux decline during an initial period of filtration is usually as a result of concentration polarization of solute at the membrane wall, as opined by Ghaffour (2004).

Applied Water Science

Unlike marine biologists, economists and politicians have difficulty pin-pointing the core cause of such attacks upon the American public.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

And has their language, literalistic to the core, caused them to make a basic mistake about the Christian promise of eternal life?

The Guardian - Books

The report went on to say that "antispam efforts should presently focus on one of the core causes of the problem -- the ability of spammers to use obfuscatory techniques".

The New York Times

But fewer fireworks and more somber parties will not get to the core causes of waste: the legions of Chinese officials who take bribes and siphon off government funds.

The New York Times

As Jeremiah Norton, a director at the F.D.I.C., said in a statement on Tuesday: "It should not have been as difficult as it has been for the agencies to come together on today's leverage-ratio proposal, which hardly seems like a seismic shift in capital requirements and represents an attempt to address one of the core causes of the financial crisis".

The New York Times

First, what do you see are the core causes of the crisis?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the core cause", ensure you provide specific details and evidence to support your claim. Avoid generalizations without backing up your statement with concrete facts.

Common error

Avoid using "the core cause" when the reason is already self-evident. This can make your writing sound redundant or condescending to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the core cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the fundamental reason or underlying factor responsible for a particular situation or problem. Ludwig AI also indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the core cause" is used to describe the fundamental reason or underlying factor behind a particular situation or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in writing. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While similar to phrases like "the root cause" or "the primary reason", "the core cause" emphasizes a foundational, deeply rooted origin. When using the phrase, ensure that your claims are supported by specific details and evidence to avoid generalizations. Common errors include overstating the obvious when the cause is already self-evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the fundamental reason

Replaces "cause" with "reason" and "core" with "fundamental", emphasizing the foundational aspect.

the underlying factor

Substitutes "cause" with "factor" and "core" with "underlying", focusing on the concealed influence.

the root of the problem

Employs a metaphor to describe the origin of the issue.

the primary driver

Replaces "cause" with "driver", suggesting a force that propels an event.

the central reason

Replaces "core" with "central", indicating the most important reason.

the mainspring

Uses a mechanical metaphor to describe the principal motivator.

the key factor

Replaces "core" with "key", denoting a crucial element.

the critical element

Substitutes "cause" with "element" and "core" with "critical", highlighting the vital component.

the genesis

Uses a more formal term for origin or beginning.

the wellspring

Employs a metaphor suggesting an abundant source or origin.

FAQs

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

You can use "the core cause" to identify the fundamental reason behind a problem or situation. For example, "Researchers are working to identify the core cause of the disease."

What phrases are similar to "the core cause"?

Alternatives include "the root cause", "the primary reason", or "the underlying factor". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it better to say "the core cause" or "the main cause"?

"The core cause" and "the main cause" are similar, but "the core cause" suggests a more fundamental or deeply rooted reason. "The main cause" simply refers to the most significant reason.

What's the difference between "the core cause" and "a contributing factor"?

"The core cause" is the primary, fundamental reason, while "a contributing factor" is one of several elements that contribute to an outcome, but is not necessarily the main driver.