the underlying cause is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the underlying cause is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the root reason or fundamental issue behind a situation or problem. Example: "After thorough investigation, we concluded that the underlying cause is a lack of communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the majority of persons who have a developmental disability, the underlying cause is unknown.

Britannica

Treatment Treatment for GERD regardless of the underlying cause is gastric acid suppression.

Nature

But retaking is no panacea unless the underlying cause is addressed.

The Guardian

If the underlying cause is corrected in time, some vision improvement may occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Well, the underlying cause is that the government hasn't been content to just control the oil business.

The Washington Post

When a species is listed as endangered, the underlying cause is usually destruction of its habitat by activities like road building, land development or clear cutting.

The New York Times

Making matters worse, the underlying cause is unknown, and a drug that seems to help one person may not do much for another.

The New York Times - Health

Rachel Egan is in no doubt that mental health is going to be a problem for the millennials and that the underlying cause is financial.

The Guardian

In both of these cases, and others, many researchers reckon that the underlying cause is exposure to too much of that male hormone in the womb.

The Economist

The underlying cause is believed by all but a handful of climatologists to be global warming brought about by greenhouse-gas emissions.

The Economist

Although the underlying cause is unknown, recent studies have identified several key mechanisms that may play a part in its genesis.

Journal of Hand Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the underlying cause is", ensure you clearly define what you believe the cause to be, providing specific details or evidence to support your claim. Avoid vague statements that lack substance.

Common error

Avoid using "the underlying cause is" as a placeholder when you haven't thoroughly investigated the situation. Prematurely identifying a cause without sufficient evidence can lead to ineffective solutions and misdirected efforts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the underlying cause is" functions as a subject complement, linking the subject (often a problem or situation) to a noun phrase that identifies the root reason or explanation. Ludwig examples confirm its role in specifying the fundamental reason behind various phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the underlying cause is" serves as a crucial tool for identifying and articulating fundamental reasons behind complex issues. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse fields. While versatile, it's essential to substantiate claims with concrete evidence. Alternatives like "the root cause is" or "the primary reason is" offer similar meanings but may suit different contexts. Remember, pinpointing the true "the underlying cause is" is key to effective problem-solving and informed decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the root of the problem is

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

the primary reason is

Substitutes "underlying cause" with "primary reason", focusing on the main explanation.

the fundamental issue is

Replaces "underlying cause" with "fundamental issue", highlighting the core problem.

the main contributing factor is

Emphasizes the role of the cause as a contributing element.

the basic reason is

Uses "basic" instead of "underlying", simplifying the language.

what's at the heart of the matter is

Offers a more figurative way to express the central cause.

the key factor is

Focuses on the importance of the cause as a key element.

the real reason is

Adds emphasis to the authenticity of the cause.

the source of the problem is

Highlights the origin or starting point of the issue.

the reason behind this is

Slightly rephrases to focus on the "reason behind" something.

FAQs

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

Use "the underlying cause is" to introduce the fundamental reason or explanation for a problem or situation. For instance, "The company's declining profits suggested deeper problems and investigation revealed that "the underlying cause is poor management"".

What are some alternatives to saying "the underlying cause is"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the root cause is", "the primary reason is", or "the fundamental issue is", each offering a slightly different nuance while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to identify the underlying cause?

While addressing symptoms can provide temporary relief, identifying and treating "the underlying cause" is crucial for long-term solutions. Ignoring it can lead to recurring problems and ineffective interventions.

What's the difference between "the underlying cause is" and "the immediate cause is"?

"The immediate cause" refers to the direct trigger of an event, while ""the underlying cause"" refers to the more fundamental, often less obvious, reason that allowed the immediate cause to have an effect. One is a symptom, one is the disease.