understand the causes of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understand the causes of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the reasons or factors behind a particular phenomenon or issue. Example: "In order to effectively address climate change, we must first understand the causes of global warming."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Understanding the forces that drove that transition can help us better understand the causes of human uniqueness," Gavrilets adds.

Science Magazine

Sure we have case discussions, but there is a difference: we understand the causes of things.

The Economist

Once every baby affected has their care reviewed robustly we can begin to understand the causes of these tragedies".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The team later found that the same strain was useful for experiments to help understand the causes of rheumatoid arthritis.

The New York Times

"The general challenged his soldiers to understand the causes of instability, to understand the 'why' not just describe the 'what'".

The Guardian

And, he said, doctors who do not watch athletes move may never understand the causes of their injuries.

The New York Times

Birrell advises against setting lesson objectives that are too vast; students won't be able to understand the causes of the second world war in 45 minutes.

The Guardian

Perhaps it's also within our grasp to understand the causes of poverty and the violence inherent in our makeup, but do we really want to?

The New Yorker

With the details collected, public health officials, law enforcement and others can better understand the causes of youth suicide, and create the best prevention strategies.

The New York Times

The rightwing contempt for any efforts to "understand" the causes of terrorism has been adopted by key figures in the Socialist government, including the prime minister, Manuel Valls.

The Guardian

The research will help to understand the causes of the bird's decline, which possibly include intensive farming, hunting and habitat loss.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "understand the causes of", ensure you're focusing on identifying underlying factors, not just surface-level symptoms. For a deeper analysis, consider using specific analytical frameworks.

Common error

Avoid assuming causation solely based on correlation. While correlation might suggest a relationship, it doesn't prove that one factor directly causes another. Further investigation is needed to establish causality when you aim to "understand the causes of" something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understand the causes of" serves as a verbal phrase indicating the action of comprehending the underlying reasons or factors contributing to a particular event, situation, or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is used to introduce an explanation of why something happens.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "understand the causes of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that focuses on grasping the reasons or origins behind a particular issue or event. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable across a wide range of contexts, including scientific research, news reporting, and formal business communications. While correlation doesn't equal causation, it's vital to investigate underlying factors, not just superficial symptoms. With primary usage in scientific and news contexts, this phrase enables a neutral register suitable for broad audiences. To reiterate what Ludwig's AI provides, it is primarily employed to express the need to gain insight into why something occurs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify the reasons for

Focuses on pinpointing the specific reasons instead of a broader understanding of causes.

comprehend the roots of

Implies a deeper understanding of the fundamental basis.

determine the origins of

Emphasizes establishing the initial point or source of something.

analyze the factors behind

Highlights a detailed examination of contributing elements.

investigate the sources of

Suggests a systematic inquiry into the origins.

recognize the determinants of

Highlights identifying the key factors that influence something.

decipher the drivers of

Focuses on understanding the propelling forces.

gain insight into the whys of

Emphasizes acquiring a deeper understanding of the reasons.

elucidate the genesis of

Emphasizes clarifying the beginning or creation of something.

explore the etymology of

Focuses on tracing the historical development or origins.

FAQs

How can I use "understand the causes of" in a sentence?

Use "understand the causes of" to introduce an explanation or investigation into the reasons behind an event or phenomenon. For example: "Researchers are working to understand the causes of climate change."

What are some alternatives to "understand the causes of"?

You can use alternatives like "identify the reasons for", "determine the origins of", or "analyze the factors behind" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "understand the causes of" or "know the causes of"?

"Understand the causes of" implies a deeper comprehension, while "know the causes of" simply suggests being aware of them. Understanding involves grasping the relationships and mechanisms, not just the facts.

When is it appropriate to use "understand the causes of" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in any situation where in-depth analysis is expected such as scientific papers, reports, and academic essays. This phrase is suitable for conveying a desire to not only recognize but also comprehend the factors contributing to an event, trend, or condition.