the root cause is

USAGE SUMMARY

You can use the phrase 'the root cause is' in written English.
It is typically used to introduce the underlying issue or reason that has caused a problem. For example: "After much investigation, we have concluded that the root cause is a lack of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the root cause is not.

The Economist

But the root cause is simple enough.

The New York Times - Magazine

The root cause is a lack of inpatient beds".

The New York Times

This cycle may continue until the root cause is addressed.

Columbia University

"The root cause is state failure," the American official said.

The New York Times

The root cause is the Concorde itself and its vulnerability to such catastrophic disasters.

The New York Times

The root cause is the serious gulf between rich and poor countries".

The New York Times

The root cause is the massive increase in prison numbers in the last two decades.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Unless the root cause is dealt with, people will keep taking risks," she says.

The Guardian

The reasons for dropping out vary, but the root cause is the same – poverty.

The Guardian

I think the root cause is business-school thinking gone wrong.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the root cause is", ensure you provide a clear and specific explanation following the phrase to avoid ambiguity. Ground your analysis in evidence to support your claim about the cause.

Common error

Avoid using "the root cause is" as a conversation stopper. Acknowledge that many issues are multifaceted and that identifying a root cause is a starting point, not a final answer. Consider additional contributing factors for a comprehensive understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the root cause is" serves as a declarative statement to identify the fundamental reason or origin behind a problem, situation, or phenomenon. Ludwig provides examples from diverse contexts, confirming its widespread use in analytical explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the root cause is" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the fundamental reason behind a problem or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, especially in news, academic, and science domains. While direct, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, supporting your claim with solid evidence and acknowledging the potential complexity of issues. Alternatives like "the underlying reason is" and "the primary driver is" offer similar functions with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main reason is

Offers a straightforward explanation of causality.

the real cause is

Stresses the authenticity and accuracy of the identified cause.

the underlying reason is

Focuses on the hidden or not immediately obvious reason.

the key factor is

Indicates a particularly significant element influencing an outcome.

the primary driver is

Highlights the main force or factor propelling an event or trend.

the fundamental issue is

Emphasizes the basic or essential problem that needs to be addressed.

the source of the problem is

Identifies the origin from which a difficulty arises.

the heart of the matter is

Directs attention to the central or most crucial aspect.

the origin lies in

Pinpoints the place or point from which something begins or is created.

the bottom line is

Signals a concise summary of the essential point.

FAQs

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

Use "the root cause is" to introduce the fundamental reason behind a problem or situation. For example, "The company's declining profits can be attributed to several factors, but "the root cause is" outdated technology".

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

You can use alternatives like "the underlying reason is", "the primary driver is", or "the main reason is" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the root cause is" in formal writing?

Yes, "the root cause is" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and direct way to introduce a fundamental explanation. However, ensure your analysis is well-supported with evidence.

What's the difference between "the root cause is" and "a contributing factor is"?

"The root cause is" identifies the primary reason, while "a contributing factor is" acknowledges one of several elements that led to a particular outcome. The former points to the main driver, and the latter points to a partial influence.