the root cause of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the root cause of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when you are trying to identify the main reason for something. For example, "We need to identify the root cause of the issue before we can move forward with a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is the root cause of delays.

The New York Times

This is the root cause of the security problem.

The New York Times

"Musharraf is the root cause of all problems".

The New York Times

The root cause of obesity in American isn't Coca-Cola.

The New York Times

The root cause of the problem is press unaccountability.

The Guardian - Opinion

Inequality is the root cause of social immobility.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was the root cause of my complaint".

The Guardian

Could this be the root cause of the credit crunch?

The Guardian - Opinion

Division, however, isn't the root cause of our unworkable system.

The Washington Post

It helps us uncover the root cause of problems.

Harvard Business Review

Meanwhile, the root cause of the problem often remains unfixed.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the root cause of", ensure that you have thoroughly investigated the issue to accurately identify the primary underlying factor.

Common error

Avoid stopping at the first apparent cause. Dig deeper to ensure you're addressing "the root cause of" a problem, not just a symptom.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the root cause of" functions as a causal connector, linking a situation or problem to its fundamental origin. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in identifying the core reason behind various issues, from societal problems to technical malfunctions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the root cause of" serves as a pivotal phrase for pinpointing the fundamental origin of a phenomenon or issue. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts underscore its significance. From news articles to academic papers, this phrase is essential for clarity and depth of analysis. When writing, aim to dig below surface-level explanations in order to truly identify "the root cause of" any issue at hand. While the phrase is very common, consider alternatives like "the underlying reason for" or "the primary driver of" when aiming for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the underlying reason for

Focuses on the reason beneath the surface, implying a deeper analysis.

the principal cause of

Similar, but more formal and direct in attributing causation.

the primary driver of

Emphasizes the driving force or factor that propels something.

the main source of

Highlights the origin from which something originates.

the key factor in

Identifies the essential element contributing to a particular outcome.

the ultimate explanation for

Suggests a comprehensive and final reason, leaving little room for further inquiry.

the fundamental basis of

Stresses the groundwork or foundation upon which something is built.

the genesis of

Emphasizes the beginning or creation of something.

the originating factor in

Highlights the element from which something starts or arises.

the central reason behind

Focuses on the core explanation for something's occurrence.

FAQs

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

Use "the root cause of" to identify the fundamental reason behind a problem or situation. For example, "The investigation aimed to identify "the root cause of" the economic crisis".

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

You can use alternatives like "the underlying reason for", "the primary driver of", or "the main source of" to express the same idea.

Is it better to address symptoms or "the root cause of" a problem?

Addressing the symptoms might provide temporary relief, but it's crucial to address "the root cause of" the problem to achieve a lasting solution.

How does "the root cause of" differ from "a contributing factor to"?

"The root cause of" refers to the primary reason, while "a contributing factor to" indicates one of several elements that influenced the outcome.