the principal cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the principal cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main reason or factor behind an event or situation. Example: "The principal cause of the decline in sales was attributed to the recent economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The principal cause of PTSD is exposure to an extremely stressful, often life-threatening, event.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in this country, the principal cause of abortions isn't that we can't get birth control.

The New York Times

Asthma is the principal cause of school absences among children, according to the American Lung Association.

The New York Times

That was the principal cause of the overall decrease in health insurance coverage".

The New York Times

Ultraviolet B, or U.V.B., radiation is the principal cause of sunburn.

The New York Times - Science

That housing disaster remains the principal cause of the current low-income housing shortage.

The New York Times

"Up to age 55 the principal cause of death is accidents," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Casual work, not low pay, was the principal cause of poverty and social dependency.

The Guardian - Business

Eutrophication is receiving increasing attention globally, and excessive phosphorus (P) discharge is the principal cause.

Environmental Technology & Innovation

Smoking plays a disease-related risk factor and is however the principal cause of preventable death.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

Low back pain is the principal cause of long-term disability worldwide.

World Neurosurgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the principal cause", ensure that you can support your assertion with evidence. It indicates a definitive statement about causality, so accuracy is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "the principal cause" when multiple factors contribute significantly to an outcome. Instead, acknowledge the complexity by using phrases like "a major factor" or "one of the primary causes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the principal cause" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the primary reason or factor responsible for a particular outcome or situation. This is validated by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage. Examples show it clarifying reasons in accidents, diseases and social phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the principal cause" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote the main reason or factor behind a specific event or outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and appropriate for use in formal writing. It commonly appears in science and news media, demonstrating its utility in explaining complex phenomena. While often interchangeable with alternatives like "the main reason", it carries a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure there is sufficient evidence to support its claim of primary causality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main reason

Emphasizes the primary reason, similar to "the principal cause" but with a slightly less formal tone.

the primary factor

Highlights the most important factor contributing to an outcome, offering a more analytical perspective.

the chief reason

Indicates the top or leading reason, maintaining a formal tone like "the principal cause".

the leading factor

Focuses on the factor that is most influential or dominant.

the major contributor

Highlights the element that contributes the most significantly.

the key driver

Implies the most important force behind a particular result or development.

the root of the problem

Identifies the fundamental or underlying cause of an issue.

the mainspring

Suggests the essential motivating force or cause.

the dominant influence

Emphasizes the power or control exerted by a particular factor.

the underlying reason

Focuses on the less obvious but fundamental cause.

FAQs

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

Use "the principal cause" to identify the main factor responsible for a specific event or situation. For example, "The principal cause of the accident was determined to be speeding."

What are some alternatives to saying "the principal cause"?

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

Is it more appropriate to say "the principal cause" or "a principal cause"?

"The principal cause" suggests there is one primary reason, while "a principal cause" indicates that it is one of several major contributing factors. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the context.

What's the difference between "the principal cause" and "the root cause"?

"The principal cause" refers to the most immediate or obvious factor, while "the root cause" delves deeper to identify the underlying fundamental reason or origin of a problem.