true cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "true cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the actual reason or underlying factor behind an event or situation. Example: "After extensive research, we finally identified the true cause of the project's failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, for most autoimmune illness – including those mentioned above – the true cause is unknown.

Harvard University

There, perhaps, lies the true cause of the disappearance of Gnecchi's opera.

The New York Times - Arts

This was its greatest weakness&the true cause of its defeat.

The New Yorker

But their puppyish romance is the trivial pretext for the war rather than its true cause.

The New York Times

The Hokies may be one of the few teams without a true cause for optimism.

The New York Times - Sports

Admitting the true cause of your obsession is the first step to recovery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You can divine without difficulty the true cause of her despair.

The Guardian

However, the true cause remains elusive, and no one may ever know what really happened.

Britannica

However this anecdote, like the true cause of his death, is the subject of much debate.

The Guardian - Books

The true cause more often lies in the thinking of the corporate executives themselves.

Harvard Business Review

This correlation was real, but the data masked its true cause.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "true cause", ensure you can substantiate the reason with evidence or logical reasoning to avoid speculation. Provide context to clarify why it's considered the 'true' cause among other potential explanations.

Common error

Avoid prematurely labeling a factor as the "true cause" without thorough investigation. Jumping to conclusions can lead to overlooking other significant contributing factors and misrepresenting the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "true cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to identify the genuine or fundamental reason behind an event or phenomenon.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "true cause" is a noun phrase used to denote the real or fundamental reason behind an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While its register ranges from neutral to formal, ensuring evidentiary support is vital to avoid misattribution. Related phrases such as "real reason" or "underlying reason" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively employ "true cause" to clarify causality and convey deeper explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real reason

Focuses on the authenticity of the reason, implying a contrast with perceived or superficial reasons.

actual cause

Emphasizes the factual and verifiable nature of the cause, rather than speculation.

genuine reason

Highlights the sincerity and legitimacy of the reason, suggesting it's not fabricated.

underlying reason

Draws attention to a less obvious, more fundamental reason that influences events.

root cause

Points to the foundational or primary reason from which other issues stem.

fundamental reason

Emphasizes the basic or essential reason that explains a phenomenon.

principal cause

Indicates the main or most important reason among several contributing factors.

primary driver

Highlights the force or factor that most significantly propels or influences an outcome.

basic reason

Stresses the simplicity and core nature of the explanation.

core reason

Similar to root cause, pinpoints the central and most critical explanatory factor.

FAQs

How is "true cause" used in a sentence?

The phrase "true cause" is used to identify the real or fundamental reason behind something. For example, "The assertion that a child caused the blaze seems to obscure the "true cause" of this tragedy".

What's a good alternative to "true cause"?

Alternatives to "true cause" include "real reason", "actual cause", or "underlying reason", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "the true cause" or "the real cause"?

Both "true cause" and "real cause" are acceptable and often interchangeable. "True cause" emphasizes accuracy, while "real cause" emphasizes authenticity. The choice depends on the desired nuance.

What is the difference between "true cause" and "proximate cause"?

"True cause" refers to the actual, fundamental reason behind an event. "Proximate cause", often used in legal contexts, refers to the event that directly leads to a specific outcome, which may not always be the "true cause".