underlying cause of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying cause of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the fundamental reason or factor that contributes to a particular issue or situation. Example: "The researchers aimed to identify the underlying cause of the disease to develop more effective treatments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The underlying cause of the condition is unknown.

Wikipedia

The underlying cause of pedophilia is unclear.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The underlying cause of migraine remains uncertain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's the underlying cause of E.D".

The New York Times

-What is the underlying cause of the ailment?

The New York Times

The underlying cause of troublesome hiccups should be investigated.

The New York Times - Science

The underlying cause of conflict, however, is often the same.

The Economist

However, an underlying cause of diplopia is not always found.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You keep using this phrase "the situation" to describe the underlying cause of wrongdoing.

The New York Times - Science

But there was never much doubt about the underlying cause of all that marital tension: marriage.

The New York Times - Arts

However, campaigners warned that ministers had to tackle the underlying cause of the problem.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underlying cause of" when you want to encourage a deeper investigation into a matter.

Common error

Avoid simply addressing surface-level symptoms; instead, use the phrase "underlying cause of" to prompt analysis and solutions focused on the fundamental problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying cause of" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the fundamental reason or origin of a particular situation, problem, or phenomenon. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its role in explaining complex issues across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "underlying cause of" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for pinpointing the fundamental reason behind an event or situation. As Ludwig confirms, it is frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, highlighting its analytical and explanatory function. While various alternatives exist, like "root cause of" and "primary reason for", understanding the appropriate context for each is key. Using this phrase effectively involves moving beyond symptoms to address the core issues, ensuring clearer communication and more effective problem-solving. Its frequent usage across authoritative sources underscores its importance in formal and neutral discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

root cause of

This alternative emphasizes the fundamental and originating factor contributing to the issue.

primary reason for

This phrase shifts the focus slightly towards a rational explanation.

fundamental basis of

This suggests a solid, foundational element as the explanation.

chief driver of

This alternative highlights the element that propels or instigates an event.

mainspring of

This metaphor suggests the core mechanism or impetus.

core contributor to

This indicates that the item is a significant component in bringing about a result.

basic explanation for

This phrase focuses on a straightforward and simple reason.

essential element of

Highlights a necessary component without which the situation couldn't arise.

key factor in

Emphasizes the importance of the item as one of several influences.

genesis of

This refers to the origin or mode of formation of something.

FAQs

How do I use "underlying cause of" in a sentence?

The phrase "underlying cause of" is used to identify the fundamental reason behind a problem or situation. For example, "The report identified poverty as the "underlying cause of" malnutrition in the region."

What are some alternatives to "underlying cause of"?

You can use alternatives like "root cause of", "primary reason for", or "fundamental basis of" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar meaning.

Is it better to address the symptoms or the "underlying cause of" a problem?

Addressing the symptoms might provide temporary relief, but it's generally more effective to address the "underlying cause of" the problem to achieve a lasting solution.

What is the difference between "cause" and "underlying cause of"?

"Cause" refers to any factor that contributes to an outcome. "Underlying cause of" specifically points to the fundamental, often less obvious, factor that initiates or perpetuates a situation.