cause vs main cause

Both "cause" and "main cause" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "Cause" is a general term used to refer to any reason or factor that produces an effect, while "main cause" specifies that a particular cause is the primary or most significant reason for something.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 810 views

The term "cause" is a common and correct word used to refer to any reason or factor that produces an effect.

"cause"

Use "cause" when referring to any reason or factor that leads to a particular outcome or effect.

Examples:

The cause of the fire was determined to be faulty wiring.
Lack of sleep can be a cause of poor concentration.
The main cause of the traffic jam was a car accident.
The cause of the disease is still unknown.
Overeating is a common cause of obesity.

Show examples from the web [+]

'cause your dad coached football.
Right, 'cause guests eventually leave.
Your father needed neither warrant nor probable cause.
Inflamed arteries in the kidneys cause calcium buildup.
Your man attacks Mira without cause.
Patrick's statement gives us probable cause.
Lord Tae-Ahn for his willingness to join our cause.
Alcohol intoxication alone shouldn't cause that.
Lead toxicity doesn't typically cause auras.
There must be humans helping this cause.
Pray the goddess may bless our worthy cause.
Thank you for helping our cause.
'cause it didn't come back up.
You are invaluable to the cause.
He supplies terrorists for the cause.
His bannermen will rally to his cause.
'cause this affects more than just you.
Maybe procrastinating does not cause creativity.
None of those cause bloody sputum or disappearing masses.
'cause it's scary in the room all alone.

Alternatives:

reason
factor
source of the problem
root cause
origin

The term "main cause" is also correct and specifies that a particular cause is the primary or most significant reason for something.

"main cause"

Use "main cause" when you want to emphasize that a specific cause is the primary or most important reason for a particular outcome.

Examples:

The main cause of the economic crisis was the housing market crash.
The main cause of the accident was the driver's negligence.
Stress is often cited as the main cause of various health problems.
The main cause of deforestation is human activity.
The main cause of conflict in the region is political instability.

Show examples from the web [+]

Volatile anaesthetics may be the main cause of early but not delayed postoperative vomiting: a randomized controlled trial of factorial design · Authors.
... obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The main cause of COPD is smoking, but nonsmokers can get COPD too.
Apr 15, 2020 ... The main cause of COPD in developed countries is tobacco smoking. In the developing world, COPD often occurs in people exposed to fumes from ...
Oct 1, 2012 ... Misconduct is the main cause of life-sciences retractions ... Opaque announcements in journals can hide fraud, study finds. Conventional wisdom ...
The cause of COPD is usually long-term exposure to irritants that damage your lungs and airways. In the United States, cigarette smoke is the main cause. Pipe, ...
Jan 11, 2021 ... Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the main cause of heart attack. Get facts about heart attacks from the CDC.
Apr 28, 2017 ... Causes. The main cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to airborne irritants, including: Tobacco smoke; Marijuana smoke; Air pollution ...

Alternatives:

primary cause
key factor
leading reason
chief cause
dominant factor

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cause vs main cause

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