the key cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the key cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when identifying the most important reason or factor contributing to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The key cause of the project's failure was a lack of communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Matewere says that poverty is the key cause of child marriages in Malawi.

The Guardian

The disaster that is the reconstruction of Iraq has been the key cause of the insurgency.

The New Yorker

Density mismatch between fuel and electrolyte is the key cause for fuel crossover.

Energy Procedia

This indicates that climate may not be the key cause for desertification in this area.

Journal of Arid Environments

Habitat loss rather than cats is the key cause of concern when it comes to wildlife, he added.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It argued that income inequality is the key cause of most modern social ills – violence, obesity, drug abuse, depression, teenage pregnancies, ill health.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The tabloid throw-away-the-key cause has been boosted.

The Economist

Dr. Graham, who has often questioned the need for some rules, said that the apparent errors would "reduce significantly some benefit estimates fo reducing fine-particle pollution, but they do not call into question any of the key cause-effect relationships between pollution and premature death".

The New York Times

To Thaler, the key causes of the financial crisis were high leverage and human frailty.

The New Yorker

Q: What are the key causes for the substantial income gaps in the United States today?

University of California, Berkeley

Smoking too, one of the key causes of heart disease, has fallen.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the key cause", ensure that you provide sufficient evidence or reasoning to support your claim. Avoid stating it as a fact without proper justification.

Common error

Avoid presenting "the key cause" as the only cause, as most situations involve multiple contributing factors. Acknowledge other influences for a more nuanced and accurate representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key cause" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most significant reason or factor contributing to a specific outcome or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. The examples show it being used to pinpoint the primary driver behind various events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the key cause" is a common and grammatically correct way to identify the most significant factor contributing to a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely used across various domains like News & Media, Science, and Academia, indicating its versatility and acceptability in different contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide supporting evidence and avoid overstating causality, acknowledging other contributing factors for a more nuanced understanding. Alternatives like "the primary reason" or "the main factor" can be used for variety, but "the key cause" remains a direct and effective way to pinpoint the principal driver behind a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the primary reason

Replaces "cause" with "reason", emphasizing the rationale behind the outcome.

the main factor

Substitutes "cause" with "factor", highlighting the element that contributes most significantly.

the principal driver

Uses "driver" instead of "cause", implying a force that propels or influences the outcome.

the root of the problem

Focuses on the foundational issue that underlies the situation.

the underlying reason

Emphasizes the fundamental rationale that explains the situation.

the major contributing factor

Highlights the significant element that played a role in causing the result.

the central element

Focuses on the most important component.

the crucial factor

Highlights the most important factor.

the essential element

Emphasizes the necessary component.

the prime mover

Implies the original source of movement or change.

FAQs

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

You can use "the key cause" to identify the most important reason or factor contributing to a particular outcome. For example, "Poverty is "the key cause" of child marriages in Malawi."

What are some alternatives to "the key cause"?

You can use alternatives like "the primary reason", "the main factor", or "the principal driver" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "the key cause" and "the root cause"?

"The key cause" refers to the most important factor, while "the root cause" refers to the fundamental underlying reason. They may not always be the same.

Is it appropriate to use "the key cause" in formal writing?

Yes, "the key cause" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing complex issues where identifying the primary factor is crucial. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.