this may cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"This may cause" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are making an inference based on something or predicting an outcome. For example, "This may cause an increase in unemployment figures next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We regret any inconvenience this may cause".

The New York Times

This may cause the bottle to burst.

The Guardian

This may cause problems with some callbacks.

Cornell University

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Stanford University

This may cause the allocptr to move.

Cornell University

However, this may cause many disadvantages.

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

This may cause severe health hazards.

Building and Environment

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause our customers.

The Guardian - Money

"Ikea apologises for any inconvenience this may cause".

The Guardian

It apologised "for any inconvenience this may cause".

The Guardian - Money

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause".

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this may cause", ensure the connection between the action and the potential result is clear and logical to maintain clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "this may cause" when the outcome is highly certain. Opt for stronger phrases like "this will cause" or "this leads to" to reflect the higher degree of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this may cause" functions as a causal connector, linking a preceding action or situation to a potential consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It indicates a probabilistic relationship, suggesting a possible but not certain outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this may cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves as a causal connector, indicating a potential consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and its wide usage across various domains, particularly in science, news, and academia. While versatile, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring the likelihood of the outcome matches the intended meaning. Remember to maintain clarity and avoid overstating the certainty of the result. Alternatives like "this could lead to" or "this might result in" offer subtle variations in emphasis and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this could lead to

Emphasizes a potential consequence or result.

this might result in

Suggests a possible outcome, often with a slightly more formal tone.

this can trigger

Implies a direct and immediate cause-and-effect relationship.

this has the potential to induce

A more formal and scientific way of expressing a potential effect.

this may give rise to

Suggests the beginning or creation of something as a result.

this can bring about

Highlights the act of causing something to happen.

this is likely to provoke

Suggests a strong reaction or response as a consequence.

this might generate

Focuses on the creation or production of something as a result.

this can contribute to

Implies that something is one of several factors influencing an outcome.

this has the possibility of creating

Emphasizes the uncertainty and potential of a specific outcome.

FAQs

How do I use "this may cause" in a sentence?

Use "this may cause" to indicate a potential consequence or outcome of a particular action or situation. For example, "Ignoring safety regulations "this may cause" accidents."

What are some alternatives to "this may cause"?

You can use alternatives like "this could lead to", "this might result in", or "this can trigger" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "this may cause" or "this will cause"?

Use "this may cause" when the outcome is uncertain or a possibility. Use "this will cause" when the outcome is highly probable or certain.

What's the difference between "this may cause" and "this is causing"?

"This may cause" suggests a potential future outcome, while "this is causing" indicates a current or ongoing effect. For example, "Increased pollution "this may cause" respiratory problems in the future," versus "Increased pollution "this is causing" respiratory problems right now."