what cause

USAGE SUMMARY

'what cause' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when asking about the explanation for something. For example: "What cause could explain the sudden drop in sales?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For what cause would you die?

The Guardian

-For what cause(s) were students demonstrating?

The New York Times

If so, for what cause and why?

The New York Times

What cause could be more important?

The New York Times

But what cause should it be?

The New York Times

As of today nobody knows what cause the outbreaks.

The New Yorker

What cause could marshal that much of a Beatles reunion?

The New York Times

He will be efficient, but efficient in what cause?

The New York Times - Magazine

By the end, we still can't be sure to whom, or to what cause, he answers.

The New Yorker

These ideals are what cause me to finally be against this bill.

The New York Times

"To what cause may we trace our present sad and deplorable condition?" he asked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what cause", ensure the context clearly implies an inquiry about the reason or origin of something. It is often used in formal writing and investigative contexts.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse the singular "cause" with the plural "causes". "What cause" is used when referring to a single reason or origin, while "what causes" is used when referring to multiple reasons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what cause" functions as an interrogative phrase, primarily used to inquire about the reason or origin of a specific event, situation, or phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative phrase designed to inquire about the origin or reason behind an event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears predominantly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. When employing "what cause", ensure clarity in your inquiry and be mindful of the singular "cause" versus plural "causes" distinction. Alternative phrases like "what is the reason for" can provide a more elaborate tone, while avoiding the confusion with "causes" prevents grammatical errors. Therefore, understanding these aspects enhances the effective use of "what cause" in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is the reason for

Focuses specifically on the reason behind something, adding emphasis to the rationale.

what is responsible for

Highlights the agent or factor accountable for a particular outcome.

what led to

Emphasizes the sequence of events or actions that resulted in a specific situation.

what prompted

Focuses on the initial trigger or motivation that initiated an action or event.

what brought about

Highlights the agent or factor accountable for a particular outcome.

what accounts for

Emphasizes the explanation or justification for a certain phenomenon or occurrence.

why did it happen

Simplified, direct inquiry about the reasons or circumstances of an event.

what is the origin of

Focuses on tracing back to the source or beginning of something.

what is the explanation for

Seeks a detailed account or understanding of why something occurred.

what underlies

Implies seeking the fundamental basis or root cause of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "what cause" in a sentence?

Use "what cause" to inquire about the reason or origin of something. For example, "What cause could explain the sudden change in weather?"

What's a more formal alternative to "what cause"?

More formal alternatives include "what is the reason for" or "what is responsible for", which provide a more elaborate and precise inquiry.

Is "what cause" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what cause" is grammatically correct when used to inquire about the reason or origin of something. However, ensure the context aligns with this interrogative purpose.

When should I use "what cause" versus "what causes"?

Use "what cause" when asking about a single, specific reason or origin. Use "what causes" when asking about multiple reasons or origins.