the most probable cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the most probable cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing potential reasons for an event or situation, particularly in scientific, medical, or analytical discussions. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, we concluded that the most probable cause of the malfunction was a software error."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This study was performed to identify the most probable cause of the pipe failure.

Case Studies in Engineering Failure Analysis

Study was performed to identify the most probable cause of the pipes failures.

Engineering Failure Analysis

In each case static electricity was taken as the most probable cause.

Loss Prevention and Safety Promotion in the Process Industries Proceedings of the 10th International Symposium, 19–21 June 2001, Stockholm, Sweden

Data received from Schiaparelli before the signal was cut off indicates that a computer glitch being the most probable cause of the failure.

The Guardian

In 1983, Gallo nominated a cancer-related virus called HTLV, discovered in his laboratory in 1980, as the most probable cause of AIDS.

The New York Times - Books

In 57 of the patients, the cancer was the most probable cause of death, the authors reported yesterday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The New York Times

The formation and subsequent melting of glaciers, which caused sea levels to fall and then rise, was the most probable cause.

The Guardian

If the runners are warped, the most probable cause of the sticking, the chalk will have been rubbed away from the problem areas.

The New York Times

Dehydration is the most probable cause, said Dr. Catherine Compito, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

The New York Times - Health

The investigators of the Iowa explosion used every tool at their disposal - including their experience and judgment -to find the most probable cause.

The New York Times

The MoD said it did not believe the helicopters had been shot down and the most probable cause was that they had collided in the dark.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the most probable cause", ensure your analysis is supported by evidence. Clearly present the data and reasoning that lead you to this conclusion.

Common error

Avoid presenting "the most probable cause" as a certainty. Acknowledge alternative possibilities, especially when evidence is not conclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the most probable cause" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies what is considered the most likely reason or explanation for a particular event or situation, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the most probable cause" is a commonly used noun phrase to identify the most likely reason or explanation for an event. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. It is frequently found in scientific and news contexts, indicating reasoned conclusions. While the phrase is widely accepted, it's important to support its use with evidence and avoid presenting it as a certainty. Alternative phrases, such as "the likeliest reason" or "the most likely explanation", can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the likeliest reason

This alternative uses "likeliest" instead of "most probable", slightly reducing formality.

the most likely explanation

This alternative replaces "cause" with "explanation", focusing on understanding why something happened.

the primary factor

This alternative emphasizes the leading contributing element to a particular outcome.

the main reason

This alternative simplifies the phrasing, making it less formal.

the principal factor

This alternative uses "principal" to convey the idea of the main or leading cause.

the leading explanation

This alternative frames it as an interpretation considered the most credible.

the most plausible reason

This alternative shifts the emphasis to the believability of the explanation.

the suspected cause

This alternative indicates a cause that is believed to be true but not definitively proven.

the presumed cause

This alternative suggests a cause that is assumed to be true based on available evidence.

the apparent reason

This alternative suggests the cause is evident upon initial examination.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "the most probable cause" in a sentence?

Use "the most probable cause" to introduce a conclusion based on analysis of available information. For example: "After reviewing the data, the most probable cause of the system failure was a software malfunction."

What are some alternatives to "the most probable cause"?

You can use alternatives like "the likeliest reason", "the most likely explanation", or "the main reason" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "the most probable cause" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, technical, and analytical contexts. It conveys a reasoned conclusion based on available evidence.

What is the difference between "the most probable cause" and "a possible cause"?

"The most probable cause" indicates the cause that is considered most likely among several possibilities based on evidence, whereas "a possible cause" simply suggests one potential explanation without implying it is the most likely.