the primary cause of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the primary cause of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main reason or factor contributing to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The primary cause of the recent decline in sales was attributed to the lack of effective marketing strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The primary cause of those losses is well known.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was determined the primary cause of the accident.

The New York Times

But these days, the primary cause of foreclosures is unemployment.

The New York Times

At that time, renal failure was the primary cause of an early death in paralyzed veterans.

The New York Times

Supply and demand as the primary cause of high oil prices?

The New York Times

And Fast Eddie Obama didn't just sell out the primary cause of his life.

The New York Times

As long as the drug isn't the primary cause of love, Garvey has no philosophical objection.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The primary cause of Japan's long crisis is a fall in investment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Alcohol misuse was the primary cause of over 150,000 admissions to hospitals in 2014.

The Guardian - Opinion

Needless to say, carbon pollution is the primary cause of dangerous global warming.

The Guardian

"The failure to do so at the weekend was the primary cause of the delays".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the primary cause of", ensure that you can substantiate the claim with evidence, as it implies a degree of certainty about the causality.

Common error

Avoid presenting "the primary cause of" something as the sole determinant, especially when multiple factors are at play. Acknowledge other contributing elements to provide a more nuanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the primary cause of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving to identify the principal reason or factor responsible for a particular event, condition, or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the primary cause of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to pinpoint the principal reason behind a particular event or situation. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly within news, media, and scientific domains. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure the cause is well-supported by evidence and that other potential contributing factors are not disregarded. Related phrases such as "the main reason for" or "the leading cause of" can serve as viable alternatives, providing subtle variations in emphasis and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main reason for

Focuses on the reasoning behind an event, rather than the direct cause.

the chief factor in

Emphasizes the factor that most significantly influences an outcome.

the principal reason for

Highlights the leading reason, maintaining a formal tone.

the foremost factor of

Stresses the preeminence of a factor in causing something.

the leading cause of

Indicates the cause that is most prominent or significant.

the root cause of

Points to the fundamental, underlying reason for something.

the major contributor to

Highlights the significant contribution to a specific result.

the key factor for

Emphasizes a crucial element in determining a result.

the biggest reason behind

Uses simpler language to convey the most significant reason.

the underlying reason for

Focuses on the less obvious, foundational cause of an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "the primary cause of" to identify the main reason or factor contributing to a specific outcome. For instance, "Unemployment is "the primary cause of" foreclosures."

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

Alternatives include "the main reason for", "the chief factor in", or "the leading cause of", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "the primary cause of" in formal writing?

Yes, "the primary cause of" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and direct way to indicate the most significant factor contributing to an event or situation.

What's the difference between "the primary cause of" and "a cause of"?

"The primary cause of" indicates the main or most significant cause, while "a cause of" simply suggests one contributing factor among possibly many. Using "the primary cause of" implies that this cause is the most important.