what caused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'what caused' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking a question about the source or reason of an event or situation. For example: "What caused the power failure?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What caused Salinger's withdrawal?

The New York Times - Books

So what caused it?

The Economist

What caused the protest?

The Guardian

What caused the hitch?

The New York Times

What caused the furor?

The New Yorker

What caused the deterioration?

The Economist

What caused that collapse?

The New York Times - Books

"Now what caused that?

The New Yorker

First, what caused the shift?

The New York Times

That's what caused the problem.

The New York Times

What caused the Republican crackup?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what caused", ensure the context clearly identifies the event or situation you are asking about. For example, "What caused the sudden market crash?" is more effective than simply "What caused it?".

Common error

Avoid using "what caused" with an unclear pronoun reference. For instance, instead of "What caused that?" specify the 'that' to prevent confusion. Use "What caused the delay in the project?" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what caused" functions as an interrogative causal connector, initiating questions that seek to identify the reason or source of an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in asking about origins.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what caused" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative connector that prompts inquiry into the origins or reasons behind a specific event or situation. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its register remains neutral, making it suitable for a wide array of discussions. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clear context to avoid ambiguity. For alternative expressions, consider options like "what led to" or "what brought about", depending on the nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what brought about

Focuses on the act of causing something to happen.

what was the reason for

Directly asks for the reason behind an event or situation.

what led to

Highlights the sequence of events that resulted in something.

what were the origins of

Emphasizes the beginning or starting point of something.

what factors contributed to

Asks for multiple influences that played a role.

what was responsible for

Assigns accountability to a specific cause.

what was the source of

Focuses on identifying the origin or starting point.

what triggered

Implies a sudden or abrupt cause.

what prompted

Suggests an instigating factor that initiated an action.

how did it happen that

Inquires about the process or circumstances that led to an event.

FAQs

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

Use "what caused" to inquire about the reason or origin of a specific event or situation. For example: "What caused the increase in sales this quarter?"

What are some alternatives to "what caused"?

You can use alternatives such as "what led to", "what brought about", or "what was the reason for", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "what was caused by" instead of "what caused"?

While grammatically valid, "what was caused by" shifts the focus to the result rather than the cause. "What caused" is more direct when seeking the origin or reason. For example, use "what caused the accident?" instead of "what was the accident caused by?" for a more direct question.

What is the difference between "what caused" and "why did"?

"What caused" typically refers to a direct factor or event that led to a specific outcome. "Why did" explores the broader reasons or motivations behind an action or occurrence. For instance, "what caused the engine failure?" seeks the mechanical reason, while "why did the driver ignore the warning signs?" explores the driver's motivations.