the very causes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very causes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize specific reasons or factors that lead to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The researchers aimed to identify the very causes of climate change to develop effective solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I worry that the clamorous world of identity politics is also undermining the very causes its activists claim to back.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they warn that a strong Nader showing can only help Mr. Bush -- with potentially dire consequences for the very causes liberals hold most dear.

The New York Times

But through her exaggeration, she damages the very causes she takes up, alienating a number of people who would happily trade her rhetoric for the truth.

The New York Times

You would see that it supports the very causes you endorse: the safety of all citizens, and freedom from fear and oppression.

The New York Times

That lesson is that no British government should deceive itself so deeply that it creates and clings to a foreign policy failure that subverts the very causes it espouses.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can't pretend to be "enlightened" or "woke" or "principled" and sit idly by and allow real and sustained damage to be done to the very causes you hold dear.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It is the very cause of many of those problems.

The Guardian

Some efforts to preserve monuments become the very cause of the problem.

The New York Times - Science

In the case of Syria, the government may be the very cause of their flight.

The Guardian

Some say their diets attack the very cause of obesity, which they say is carbohydrates.

The New York Times - Health

That's what happened to us all down the line -- and that's the very cause of our woes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very causes" when you want to emphasize that you are referring to the most fundamental or direct reasons behind something. It adds a layer of significance to your explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "the very causes" in situations where simpler language would suffice. Overusing the phrase in straightforward explanations can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very causes" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It emphasizes the fundamental or direct reasons behind an event or situation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very causes" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to emphasize the core reasons or origins of an event or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is appropriate in numerous contexts, especially in News & Media, Business, and Science. While alternatives like "the precise reasons" or "the fundamental drivers" exist, "the very causes" distinctly highlights the depth and significance of the factors being discussed. When writing, ensure that the phrase's use aligns with the desired level of formality and avoids redundancy for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the precise reasons

Replaces "very" with "precise" to emphasize accuracy and exactness of the reasons.

the actual origins

Shifts from "causes" to "origins" to highlight the starting point or source of something.

the fundamental drivers

Emphasizes the core, underlying forces that propel a situation or event.

the root factors

Highlights the most basic or essential elements contributing to an outcome.

the primary determinants

Focuses on the key influences that decide or control a particular result.

the specific catalysts

Replaces "causes" with "catalysts" to denote something that provokes or speeds up a result.

the underlying dynamics

Shifts the focus to the interactive forces at play behind a situation.

the principal motivations

Highlights the driving forces of action or decision-making.

the ultimate sources

Emphasizes the end or concluding point from which something originates.

the true instigators

Focuses on the individuals or factors that initiate or provoke an event or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "the very causes" in a sentence?

You can use "the very causes" to emphasize the fundamental reasons behind a particular situation. For example, "The study aimed to identify "the very causes" of the economic crisis."

What are some alternatives to "the very causes"?

Alternatives include "the precise reasons", "the actual origins", or "the fundamental drivers" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "the very causes and reasons"?

Yes, saying "the very causes and reasons" can be redundant, as "causes" and "reasons" are largely synonymous. Choose one or the other to avoid unnecessary repetition.

How does "the very causes" differ from "the main causes"?

"The very causes" emphasizes the fundamental or essential reasons, while "the main causes" simply refers to the most significant or influential reasons. The former adds a layer of depth or importance that the latter may lack.