what has caused

USAGE SUMMARY

"what has caused" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase whenever you are inquiring about the source of a particular effect or situation. For example: "What has caused the sudden increase in prices this month?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What has caused the increase?

The Economist

So what has caused this shift?

Independent

What has caused the  current crisis?

Independent

What has caused this backlash?

Columbia University

What has caused that polarization?

Princeton University

What has caused this crisis?

The Guardian

HN: What has caused this?

The Guardian

What has caused its decline?

The Guardian - Arts

What has caused these extraordinary circumstances?

Stanford University

What has caused this sharp rise?

The Guardian

What has caused this dramatic rise?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider rephrasing the question to specify the type of cause you are seeking (e.g., "What economic factors have caused...?", "What historical events have caused...?").

Common error

Ensure that the question clearly identifies the subject. Avoid using "it" or "this" without clear reference to what "it" or "this" is. For example, instead of "What has caused it?", specify "What has caused the decline in sales?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what has caused" functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the reason, origin, or source of a particular situation, event, or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig showcase its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what has caused" is a versatile interrogative used to explore the origins and reasons behind various phenomena. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Its prevalence across news, academic, and scientific contexts highlights its effectiveness in eliciting explanations. When employing this phrase, clarity in the subject of inquiry and specificity in the type of cause sought can greatly enhance understanding. Consider alternatives like "what led to" or "what factors contributed to" for nuanced inquiries. Ensuring clear reference and avoiding vague pronouns are crucial for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what were the reasons for

Focuses on the reasons behind something, being a more direct alternative.

what led to

Emphasizes the sequence of events culminating in a specific outcome.

what brought about

Highlights the action that directly initiated the event.

what factors contributed to

Identifies multiple influencing elements.

what was the origin of

Seeks the starting point or genesis of something.

what explains

Focuses on providing an explanation or rationale.

what accounts for

Asks for the reasons that justify or explain a phenomenon.

what is the source of

Inquires about the point of origin or derivation.

what were the drivers of

Highlights the propelling forces behind an event.

what is the etiology of

A more formal and technical term, especially used in medical contexts, to ask about the cause of a disease or condition.

FAQs

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

Use "what has caused" to inquire about the reason or origin behind a specific event or situation. For example, "What has caused the increase in unemployment rates?"

What are some alternatives to using "what has caused"?

Alternatives include phrases like "what led to", "what brought about", or "what factors contributed to", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to use "what has caused" or "what caused"?

"What caused" is simpler and often preferred in informal contexts. "What has caused" can sound slightly more formal and is appropriate when discussing ongoing or recently completed events.

Can "what has caused" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "what has caused" is suitable for formal writing, especially when precision and clarity are important. It effectively introduces an inquiry into the origins of a particular phenomenon.