what caused this

USAGE SUMMARY

"what caused this" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to ask about the reason or cause behind a specific situation or event. Here is an example: "Mary's sudden illness had everyone concerned. Her friends gathered around her, asking, 'What caused this?' They were eager to understand why she had suddenly fallen ill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's what caused this".

The Guardian

So what caused this pony perversion?

The New Yorker

"That is what caused this tremendous volatility.

The New York Times

I wonder what caused this phobia.

Independent

What caused this type of crash?

The New York Times

"Do we know what caused this?

The New York Times

I'm still wondering what caused this "reconciliation".

The New York Times

What caused this crisis of confidence?

The Guardian

We don't know what caused this one".

The New York Times

We don't know what caused this tragedy".

The New York Times

I think that's what caused this situation.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what caused this", ensure that the context clearly identifies "this". Ambiguity can lead to confusion, so specify the event or situation you are referring to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "what caused this" without a specific context. Instead of asking "What caused this?" in a general discussion, specify the issue: "What caused this delay in the project?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what caused this" serves as an interrogative clause, prompting an explanation or reason for a specific event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The provided examples in Ludwig clearly demonstrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what caused this" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for inquiring about the reasons behind a specific event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While generally neutral in register, its formality can be adjusted using alternative phrasing to suit different communication needs. When using "what caused this", ensure clarity by specifying the context to avoid ambiguity. Remember that this is a common expression but is important to contextualize it properly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what led to this

This alternative focuses on the sequence of events that resulted in the current situation, implying a process or progression.

what brought this about

This alternative emphasizes the action or force that made the situation occur, suggesting a direct influence.

what was the reason for this

This option explicitly asks for the rationale or explanation behind the situation, focusing on understanding the why.

what explains this

This alternative seeks a clarifying account or interpretation of the situation, focusing on comprehension.

what's the origin of this

This option asks about the starting point or source of the situation, emphasizing the initial cause.

how did this come about

This alternative inquires about the manner or process by which the situation occurred, focusing on the unfolding.

what were the origins of this

Similar to "what's the origin of this", but can imply multiple factors contributing to the event or situation.

what's the source of this

This phrase inquires about the origin, but often implies the thing came from a document or other piece of recorded evidence.

what factors contributed to this

This alternative emphasizes multiple influences that played a part in the current result, so it is best used when seeking a full explanation.

what's behind this

This alternative implies a hidden or underlying reason for the situation, suggesting something not immediately obvious.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what caused this" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "what factors contributed to this?", "what was the reason for this?", or "to what can this be attributed?" These options add a level of sophistication suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What's a more casual way to ask "what caused this"?

Informally, you could ask "what led to this?", "how did this happen?", or even "what's behind this?" These options are suitable for everyday conversations and less formal settings.

Is it grammatically correct to use "what caused this" in written English?

Yes, "what caused this" is grammatically correct. It's a common and acceptable way to inquire about the cause of a particular situation or event. However, always ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity.

What words should I avoid when asking "what caused this" in a formal context?

In formal settings, avoid contractions and overly casual terms. Instead of asking "what's the reason for this?", opt for "what is the reason for this?". Also, be mindful of slang or colloquialisms that might not be appropriate for the context.