"a common cause" vs "the common cause"

Question

"a common cause" vs "the common cause"

Both 'a common cause' and 'the common cause' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A common cause' is used when referring to any shared reason or explanation for something, while 'the common cause' is used when referring to a specific shared reason or explanation that has been previously mentioned or is well-known.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used when referring to any shared reason or explanation for something. It indicates that there is a reason that is commonly shared among different situations or occurrences.

Examples:

Lack of communication is a common cause of misunderstandings.
Stress is a common cause of health issues.
Procrastination is a common cause of missed deadlines.

Alternatives:

a frequent cause
a typical cause
a prevalent cause
a widespread cause
a universal cause

This phrase is used when referring to a specific shared reason or explanation that has been previously mentioned or is well-known. It indicates that there is a particular reason that is commonly shared among different situations or occurrences.

Examples:

The common cause of the recent accidents is poor maintenance.
The common cause of the team's failure was lack of coordination.
The common cause of the issue was a software glitch.

Alternatives:

the shared cause
the mutual cause
the collective cause
the joint cause
the overarching cause

Answer 1

a common cause

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

the common cause

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"a common cause" vs "the common cause"

a common cause

the common cause

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