the primary cause is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the primary cause is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when identifying or explaining the main reason behind a particular situation or phenomenon. Example: "In this study, we found that the primary cause is the lack of access to education in rural areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"Without question, the primary cause is low-cost imports of fresh cut flowers".

The New York Times

Until the primary cause is known however, scientists have no way of combatting the disease.

The Guardian

But the primary cause is delirium, which is common in serious illness.

The New York Times

Experts believe the primary cause is overprescribing in human patients, often for conditions like colds, where antibiotics are ineffective.

The New York Times

In many Indigenous communities, "epidemic" and "crisis" are accurate words to describe what's happening and few argue the primary cause is sexism.

The Guardian - Opinion

The primary cause is exsanguination cardiac arrest, the technical term for losing so much blood that too little is left for the heart to continue to circulate.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The primary cause was germs.

The New York Times - Magazine

For Riis the primary cause was the tenements themselves--febrile breeding grounds of vice and degradation.

The New Yorker

The Texas Department of Public Safety said investigators believed that the primary cause was a faulty front tire.

The New York Times

Lesch Nyhan syndrome (LNS) manifests in bizarre and horrific neurological symptoms, the primary cause being a deficiency of the purine salvage enzyme, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT).

Neuroscience Letters

The primary cause was the under-sized gusset plates, at 0.5 inches thick.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the primary cause is", ensure that you can support your claim with evidence. Clearly identify and explain the primary cause to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting "the primary cause is" as the only cause. Acknowledge that contributing factors may also play a role, even if they are less significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the primary cause is" functions as a causal connector, introducing the principal reason or factor responsible for a particular event, situation, or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

57%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the primary cause is" is a grammatically sound phrase used to highlight the main reason behind a situation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's correct and usable in written English. While "the primary cause is" is considered uncommon in frequency, it is frequently employed in both news and media, and scientific contexts. Alternative phrases include "the main reason is" and "the chief factor is". When using this phrase, it's crucial to support your claim with evidence and acknowledge any contributing factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main reason is

Replaces "primary" with "main", offering a slightly less formal alternative.

the chief factor is

Substitutes "primary cause" with "chief factor", emphasizing the most important contributing element.

the principal reason is

Uses "principal" instead of "primary", providing a synonym with a similar level of formality.

the leading cause is

Replaces "primary" with "leading", focusing on the most prominent cause.

the major contributor is

Shifts the focus to a contributing element rather than a direct cause.

the root cause is

Emphasizes the fundamental or underlying origin of the issue.

the underlying reason is

Highlights the hidden or less obvious cause.

the source of the problem is

Indicates the origin or starting point of a problem.

the explanation lies in

Offers a more nuanced way to introduce the cause or reason.

it mainly stems from

Focuses on the origin or derivation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "the primary cause is" in a sentence?

Use "the primary cause is" to introduce the main reason or factor responsible for a particular situation or event. For example, "The primary cause is lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to "the primary cause is"?

You can use alternatives like "the main reason is", "the chief factor is", or "the principal reason is".

Is it always accurate to identify a single "primary cause"?

While it's helpful to identify the most significant cause, remember that many situations involve multiple contributing factors. Consider acknowledging these other influences.

How can I strengthen a statement that uses "the primary cause is"?

Provide evidence or data to support your claim. Explain the reasoning behind why you believe that particular factor is the primary cause.