this might cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this might cause" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is commonly used to express a possible consequence or outcome (a cause) of an action. For example, "If you don't finish your work on time, this might cause your supervisor to give you a lower performance rating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He thought this might cause a crisis.

The New Yorker

But I can see this might cause a further problem.

The Guardian

At some point this might cause problems for the coalition.

The Guardian

Well, this might cause some problems with his future role.

Independent

Doctors even stressed the public health hazards this might cause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"If you're going to suck away the water, this might cause stability problems.

The Guardian

And while this might cause concern for some Americans, the news is actually pretty exciting.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'm sure this might cause George not to do some things," Ventura said.

The New York Times - Sports

There is worry in Washington about the friction this might cause.

The Economist

Horrified at the offence this might cause, Asma's mother sent her daughter into the kitchen to sort out the problem.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The FSCS admits this might cause delays because it has no experience of an overseas bank going under.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this might cause" to introduce a potential negative consequence that is not certain but plausible. Be specific about what "this" refers to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "this might cause" without clearly defining what "this" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Ensure the context makes the reference immediately obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this might cause" functions as a causal connector, linking a preceding action or situation to a potential consequence. It introduces a hypothetical outcome, indicating a possibility rather than a certainty. Ludwig shows it's used to present potential problems, risks, or outcomes, ranging from minor inconveniences to serious issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this might cause" is a versatile phrase used to express a potential consequence or outcome of a given action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While it's a neutral way to introduce caution or concern, it's crucial to ensure clarity by explicitly defining what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. Alternatives such as "this could lead to" or "this may result in" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. By understanding its function and common errors, writers can effectively use "this might cause" to convey potential outcomes in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this could lead to

Replaces "might" with "could" and uses "lead to" instead of "cause", emphasizing a directional consequence.

this may result in

Substitutes "might" with "may" and "cause" with "result in", focusing on the outcome of an action.

this could potentially create

Adds "potentially" to emphasize possibility and replaces "cause" with "create", suggesting a new development.

this has the potential to trigger

Uses "has the potential to trigger" to highlight the initiation of a series of events.

this is likely to generate

Employs "is likely to generate" to indicate a high probability of producing a specific result.

this carries the risk of

Replaces "cause" with "carries the risk of", emphasizing the potential for an undesirable outcome.

this runs the risk of

Similar to "carries the risk of", but uses "runs the risk of" for a slightly different nuance.

this can give rise to

Uses "give rise to" as a more formal substitute for "cause", often implying a gradual development.

this is capable of provoking

Substitutes "cause" with "provoking", highlighting a strong reaction or response.

this sets the stage for

Implies that the action prepares or enables a future event, replacing "cause" with a more metaphorical expression.

FAQs

How can I use "this might cause" in a sentence?

Use "this might cause" to introduce a potential consequence or problem stemming from a specific action or situation. For example, "Increasing the dosage this might cause unwanted side effects".

What are some alternatives to "this might cause"?

You can use alternatives like "this could lead to", "this may result in", or "this is likely to generate" depending on the context.

Is "this might cause" formal or informal?

"This might cause" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, offering a neutral way to express a possible consequence. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary than the phrase itself.

What is the difference between "this might cause" and "this will cause"?

"This might cause" suggests a possibility, while "this will cause" indicates a certainty. Use "this will cause" when the outcome is highly predictable, and "this might cause" when there is uncertainty.