the root cause of the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the root cause of the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the fundamental reason or underlying issue that leads to a particular problem. Example: "After thorough investigation, we identified the root cause of the problem as a lack of communication between departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The root cause of the problem is press unaccountability.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The Telegraph

2. Find the root cause of the problem.

Harvard Business Review

That depends on whether the root cause of the problem has been identified.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You can't get at the root cause of the problem in the public sector.

The New York Times

In many cases, the root cause of the problem is a bad building lot.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Our differences are not the root cause of the problems we face in the world.

Huffington Post

That must mean tackling the root causes of the problem".

The Guardian

But you have always got to look at the root causes of the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

That, however, requires first looking more deeply into the root causes of the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

I believe addressing the root causes of the problem between the two countries is important.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the root cause of the problem", ensure you've conducted a thorough analysis to accurately identify the fundamental issue, avoiding superficial symptoms.

Common error

Avoid mistaking symptoms for the actual root cause. For example, low employee morale might be a symptom of poor management, which is the actual root cause.

Linguistic Context

The root cause of the problem functions as a noun phrase that identifies the fundamental reason for a particular issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted, frequently used in analytical contexts to pinpoint the origin of difficulties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the root cause of the problem" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase for identifying the fundamental reason behind an issue. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is common across news, academic, and professional contexts. To use it effectively, ensure you distinguish between symptoms and actual underlying causes. Consider alternatives like "the underlying cause of the issue" or "the primary reason for the difficulty" to adjust the tone. Addressing the root cause is crucial for lasting solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the underlying cause of the issue

Replaces "root" with "underlying" and "problem" with "issue", offering a slightly less direct alternative.

the fundamental reason behind the issue

Replaces "root cause" with "fundamental reason", emphasizing the foundational nature of the cause.

the core reason for the situation

Uses "core reason" instead of "root cause", highlighting the central importance of the reason.

the primary reason for the difficulty

Substitutes "root cause" with "primary reason" and "problem" with "difficulty", softening the tone.

the origin of the problem

Substitutes "root cause" with "origin", emphasizing the beginning or starting point of the problem.

the main driver of the problem

Replaces "root cause" with "main driver", focusing on the element that propels the problem.

the source of the trouble

Replaces "root cause" with "source", offering a simpler and more informal alternative.

the crux of the issue

Replaces the entire phrase with an idiom, "the crux of the issue", referring to the decisive point.

the heart of the matter

Replaces the entire phrase with an idiom, "the heart of the matter", indicating the central point.

the real reason behind the matter

Highlights that there might be other possible reasons but this is the "real" one

FAQs

What does "the root cause of the problem" mean?

It refers to the fundamental or underlying reason that leads to a specific issue or difficulty. Identifying it is crucial for effective problem-solving.

How can I identify "the root cause of the problem"?

Use techniques such as the '5 Whys' to repeatedly ask 'why' until you uncover the core issue, not just the symptoms.

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

You can use alternatives like "the underlying cause of the issue", "the primary reason for the difficulty", or "the fundamental reason behind the issue" depending on the context.

Why is it important to address "the root cause of the problem" instead of just treating the symptoms?

Addressing the symptoms may provide temporary relief, but the problem will likely recur if the underlying cause isn't resolved. Focusing on "the root cause of the problem" leads to long-term, sustainable solutions.