what is cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is cause" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when asking for the definition or explanation of the term "cause." Example: "In philosophy, what is cause often leads to deeper discussions about causality." Alternative expressions include "what constitutes a cause" and "what defines a cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

What is cause and what is effect?

The New York Times - Health

What is "cause" for one need not be "cause" for the other.

Harvard University

A more sophisticated understanding of those relationships -- what is cause and what is effect, for instance -- has led to a richer understanding of how the economy works and better forecasts, economists said.

The New York Times

What is cause for concern is that because of the legislative impasse over Democratic demands for more spending, Gov. George Pataki has threatened to do without a budget for the new year altogether, relying instead on an indefinite series of emergency spending measures.

The New York Times

Dr Jess Tyrrell, of Exeter University medical school, said: "A lot of research into pregnancy and birth weight has been based on observation, but this can make it very difficult to determine what is cause and what is effect, creating a confusing picture for mothers, clinicians and healthcare workers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hence, the presence of a negative relationship cannot indicate what is cause and effect.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

What is causing it?

The Guardian

What is causing these trends?

Harvard University

What is causing this issue?

Columbia University

So what is causing it?

Harvard University

What is causing this trend?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what is cause" when seeking a definition or conceptual explanation of causation, particularly in academic or philosophical contexts. For example, use it when asking for the meaning of 'cause' in a scientific theory.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two events are correlated, one necessarily "causes" the other. Always seek evidence to support a causal relationship before asserting it.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "what is cause" is to serve as an interrogative phrase. It introduces a question seeking the definition, nature, or essential elements of 'cause'. It's used to prompt explanations or descriptions of what constitutes a cause in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

25%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what is cause" is used to inquire about the meaning and nature of causation, typically in academic, scientific, or philosophical discussions. Ludwig's analysis indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts. While less frequent than other similar queries, its usage is consistent across various authoritative sources, highlighting its importance in exploring causal relationships. When using this phrase, ensure you are seeking a fundamental definition or explanation of causation, rather than a specific cause for a particular event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what constitutes a cause

Focuses on the elements that define a cause.

what defines a cause

Emphasizes the defining characteristics of causation.

what is the root of

Directs attention to the origin or source of something.

what is the source of

Asks about the origin or starting point.

what is the origin of

Similar to 'source', but often used for more abstract concepts.

what leads to

Focuses on the direct consequences or results.

what brings about

Highlights the action that precipitates a result.

what is responsible for

Asks about the agent or factor accountable for an outcome.

what is the reason for

Seeks the explanation or justification for something.

what explains

Looks for a coherent account of how or why something exists.

FAQs

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

You can use "what is cause" when inquiring about the definition or explanation of the term "cause", especially in academic or philosophical discussions. For example: "In philosophy, "what is cause" often leads to deeper discussions about causality."

What is a more formal way to ask "what is cause"?

A more formal way to ask "what is cause" is to ask "what constitutes a cause" or "what defines a cause".

What's the difference between asking "what is cause" and "what is the effect"?

Asking ""what is cause"" seeks the origin or reason behind something, while asking "what is the effect" seeks the result or consequence of something. They are opposite sides of a causal relationship.

In scientific research, how does understanding "what is cause" help?

Understanding ""what is cause"" in scientific research is crucial for designing experiments and interpreting results. It helps researchers distinguish between correlation and causation, leading to more accurate conclusions.