to determine the cause of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to determine the cause of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of identifying the reason behind an event or situation. Example: "The scientists conducted experiments to determine the cause of the unusual weather patterns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An autopsy was planned to determine the cause of death.

The New York Times

An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death.

The New York Times

An autopsy to determine the cause of death is planned.

The Guardian

An inquest has yet to determine the cause of death.

The Guardian

The coroner is trying to determine the cause of death.

The New York Times - Sports

Officials have yet to determine the cause of death.

The New York Times

Dr. Wood initially said she was unable to determine the cause of Ms. McPherson's death.

The New York Times

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death, Officer Cox said.

The New York Times

On a practical note: make sure you are examined to determine the cause of the miscarriage.

The Guardian - Opinion

A police investigation is under way to determine the cause of the violent brawl.

The Guardian

Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the fire, the police said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to determine the cause of" when referring to events or situations where the reason is unknown or requires investigation. Avoid using it for situations where the cause is already known.

Common error

Avoid using "to determine the cause of" when simply identifying a known cause. "Determine" implies an investigative process. If the cause is already known, use "to state the cause of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to determine the cause of" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It typically introduces the reason for performing an action, often related to investigation or analysis, as evidenced by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to determine the cause of" is a versatile phrase used to express the purpose of identifying the reasons behind an event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in who is performing the determination and avoid misusing it when the cause is already known. Remember that there are several alternative phrases with slightly different connotations available, each suitable for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to ascertain the reason for

Replaces "determine" with "ascertain" and "cause" with "reason", offering a slightly more formal tone.

to establish the origins of

Substitutes "determine" with "establish" and "cause" with "origins", implying a focus on the beginning or source.

to identify the source of

Replaces "determine" with "identify" and "cause" with "source", emphasizing the location or origin.

to investigate the basis for

Uses "investigate" instead of "determine" and "basis" for "cause", suggesting a more in-depth examination.

to analyze the reasons behind

Employs "analyze" and "reasons behind", indicating a detailed examination of contributing factors.

to find out why

A simpler, more direct way to express the same idea.

to get to the bottom of

An idiomatic expression suggesting a thorough investigation to uncover the true cause.

to explore the etiology of

A more formal, often medical, way of saying "to determine the cause", using "etiology."

to understand the factors leading to

Focuses on understanding the various factors that contributed to the event.

to figure out the root of

A more informal way of saying "to determine the cause", emphasizing finding the fundamental reason.

FAQs

How can I use "to determine the cause of" in a sentence?

You can use "to determine the cause of" in sentences where an investigation or analysis is needed to find out the reason behind something. For example, "An autopsy was performed "to determine the cause of death"." or "Scientists are working "to determine the cause of the disease"".

What are some alternatives to "to determine the cause of"?

Some alternatives include "to ascertain the reason for", "to establish the origins of", or "to identify the source of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "determine the cause" or "find the cause"?

"Determine the cause" is more formal and implies a systematic investigation, whereas "find the cause" is more general and can refer to simply discovering the reason without a complex process. Use "determine" when a thorough investigation is involved.

What is the difference between "to determine the cause of" and "to understand the cause of"?

"To determine the cause of" suggests an active process of investigation and discovery, while "to understand the cause of" implies a comprehension of a cause that has already been identified. One is about finding, the other about comprehending.