this could cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a potential outcome or effect of a certain action or situation. Example: "If we don't address the issue promptly, this could cause further complications down the line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could cause clashes.

The Economist

This could cause confusion.

The Guardian

This could cause punctures in the colon".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This could cause serious economic havoc.

The Washington Post

This could cause the market to unravel, Stanford scholars say.

Stanford University

This could cause eye fatigue while scanning at low power.

Cornell University

After many cycles this could cause wear and degradation.

Electrochimica Acta

This could cause a split in this country".

The New York Times

"I am nervous that this could cause cancer and wrinkles.

The New York Times

And this could cause cancerous cells to grow.

The Guardian

Western aid officials warned this could cause a famine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this could cause", ensure the connection between the action or situation and its potential outcome is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what "this" refers to directly before using the phrase.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "this could cause". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing the cause-and-effect relationship to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could cause" functions as a causal connector, linking a preceding situation or action to a potential consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating a potential outcome or effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

31%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to denote a potential causal relationship. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It serves the purpose of warning about potential consequences or providing rationale. Its neutral register allows for versatile application across news, scientific, and general contexts. To enhance clarity, ensure that "this" has a clear antecedent. While common, vary sentence structure to avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might lead to

Changes the modal verb from "could" to "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

this may result in

Replaces "could cause" with "may result in", indicating a possible consequence.

this can bring about

Substitutes "could cause" with "can bring about", implying a potential effect.

this might generate

Replaces "cause" with "generate", focusing on the creation of a result.

this could give rise to

Uses "give rise to" instead of "cause", suggesting the initiation of something.

this can trigger

Emphasizes that this situation could start something else.

this can beget

Replaces "could cause" with "can beget", implying the generation of something.

this may precipitate

Changes "could cause" to "may precipitate", indicating a hastening effect.

this could instigate

Suggests the meaning of start something new in a bad way.

this may engender

Replaces "could cause" with "may engender", indicating that the situation produces something else.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this could cause" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "this may result in", "this could lead to", or "this might precipitate". These options often convey a more professional tone.

What are some alternatives to "this could cause" for less formal writing?

For less formal writing, you can use phrases such as "this might trigger", "this may bring about", or simply "this may lead to".

Is it grammatically correct to use "this could cause" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, ensure that "this" clearly refers to something mentioned in the preceding sentence or context to avoid confusion.

What's the difference between "this could cause" and "this will cause"?

"This could cause" indicates a possibility or potential outcome, while "this will cause" suggests a higher degree of certainty about the outcome. Use "this will cause" only when the result is almost guaranteed.