what causes that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what causes that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the reason or explanation behind a specific phenomenon or event. Example: "I noticed the plants are wilting. What causes that?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

What causes that?

Independent

That's what causes that type of outburst".

The New York Times

We are trying to find out what causes that stability in the granules".

The Guardian

Mr. Adler played an impresario, à la Flo Ziegfeld; his duet with Harry Groener of "What Causes That," requiring deft comic timing and coordination, was an audience favorite.

The New York Times

What causes that? A. Both radial cracking (from the stem downward) and concentric cracking (around the stem in interrupted circles) are physiological problems caused when the plants take up too much water too quickly.

The New York Times

This week, for example, saw the publication in Biochemistry of a proteomic study that goes a long way towards establishing a common underlying cause for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.It has been known for some time that these conditions involve the accumulation of damaged and misfolded proteins, but what causes that malformation is the subject of debate.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

What caused that collapse?

The New York Times - Books

"Now what caused that?

The New Yorker

But what caused that destruction was a mystery.

The New York Times - Magazine

So what caused that combination of hypotension and difficulty in clotting?

The New York Times

Obviously you don't need a shrink to work out what caused that kind of stuff.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what causes that", ensure the 'that' clearly refers to a previously mentioned event or situation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "what causes that" when the 'that' lacks a clear antecedent. Always ensure the referent is explicitly stated or immediately obvious from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what causes that" functions as an interrogative clause, specifically seeking to identify the underlying reasons or factors contributing to a particular event, situation, or phenomenon. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in asking about causes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what causes that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used interrogative phrase to inquire about the reasons behind a specific event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, clarity is key—ensure 'that' has a clear referent. More formal alternatives exist, such as "what is the reason for that", depending on context. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for various settings, especially within News & Media and Science. Be mindful of potential vagueness and maintain contextual clarity for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's the reason for that

Replaces "causes" with "reason for", offering a more formal alternative.

what are the reasons behind that

Emphasizes multiple potential factors influencing the outcome.

what explains that

Focuses on providing an explanation or understanding.

how did that happen

Shifts the focus from cause to the process of occurrence.

what's responsible for that

Assigns accountability or influence to a specific factor.

what's the source of that

Highlights the origin or starting point of the situation.

what's the root of that

Implies a deeper, more fundamental cause.

what brought that about

Focuses on the initiating action or event.

why did that occur

Uses a more formal term 'occur' instead of 'happened'.

what's the mechanism behind that

Emphasizes the process or system that produces the result.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what causes that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "what is the reason for that", "what are the reasons behind that", or "what explains that" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "what causes that" in written English?

Yes, the phrase "what causes that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to inquire about the reason or explanation behind a specific event or phenomenon, as confirmed by Ludwig.

What's the difference between "what causes that" and "how did that happen"?

"What causes that" seeks to identify the underlying reasons or factors leading to an event, while "how did that happen" focuses on the process or sequence of events that led to the occurrence. The former asks 'why' and the latter 'how'.

Are there any specific contexts where "what causes that" is more appropriate?

The phrase "what causes that" is suitable for general inquiries across various contexts. However, in scientific or technical discussions, more precise alternatives like "what is the mechanism behind that" might be preferred.