the only cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the only cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing that there is a singular reason or factor for a particular outcome or situation. Example: "After thorough investigation, we concluded that the only cause of the issue was a software malfunction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The only cause for a pause?

The Guardian - Tech

Heart disease isn't the only cause of chest pain.

Harvard University

"The only cause for concern is the decline in volume".

The New York Times

The only cause for concern for us is education.

The Guardian

A slanted interpretation isn't the only cause of skepticism.

The New York Times - Arts

Worse, loan defaults are not the only cause of foreclosures.

The New York Times

Achalasia is not the only cause of aperistalsis.

Nature

The league tables are not the only cause for concern.

The Guardian

But money isn't the only cause of secessionist sentiment.

The New York Times

But commercials were not the only cause for delay.

The New York Times - Sports

But cladding is not the only cause being considered.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the only cause", ensure that the context clearly supports the claim that no other significant factors are involved. Overstating this can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "the only cause" when multiple contributing factors exist. Acknowledge other influences to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only cause" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying that a particular reason or factor is singular and exclusive. Ludwig AI shows its frequent use in contexts where emphasis on a single causative agent is needed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only cause" is a determiner phrase used to emphasize a singular, exclusive reason for a specific outcome. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and sees very common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While effective for highlighting a sole determinant, it's crucial to avoid oversimplification and acknowledge other contributing factors when they exist. Alternatives such as "the sole reason" or "the primary driver" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole reason

Emphasizes singularity more strongly than "cause".

the exclusive factor

Highlights that no other factors are involved.

the primary driver

Suggests a force that propels something forward.

the main reason

Indicates the most important reason among others.

the principal factor

Implies a leading factor with significant influence.

the single determinant

Highlights that only one element is decisive.

the key contributor

Highlights the most important contributing factor.

the root of the problem

Focuses on the fundamental source of an issue.

the basis for

Emphasizes the foundation or groundwork.

the origin of

Highlights the beginning or source from which something arises.

FAQs

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

Use "the only cause" to emphasize a single factor responsible for a particular outcome. For example, "After careful investigation, we determined that software malfunction was "the only cause" of the system failure".

What is a good alternative to "the only cause"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the sole reason", "the exclusive factor", or "the primary driver".

Is it always accurate to identify "the only cause"?

It's important to exercise caution when identifying "the only cause", as many situations involve multiple contributing factors. Be sure to have sufficient evidence before making such a claim.

What's the difference between "the main cause" and "the only cause"?

"The main cause" suggests the most significant factor among several, while ""the only cause"" implies that there is no other factor at play.