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possible cause vs probable cause

Both 'possible cause' and 'probable cause' are correct phrases, but they have different meanings and are used in different contexts. 'Possible cause' refers to something that could potentially be the reason for a certain outcome, while 'probable cause' indicates a more likely reason or explanation for a situation. They are not interchangeable and should be used based on the level of certainty or likelihood of the cause.

Last updated: April 14, 2024 • 116 views

possible cause

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to something that could potentially be the reason for a certain outcome.

Use 'possible cause' when discussing various factors that could have led to a particular result, without implying a high level of certainty.

Examples:

  • There are several possible causes for the increase in pollution levels.
  • We need to investigate all possible causes of the issue before drawing any conclusions.
  • Coronavirus as a possible cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Lancet. 2003 Apr 19;361(9366):1319-25. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(03)13077-2.
  • Coronavirus as a possible cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome. JSM Peiris, Prof, DPhil,a,* ST Lai, FRCP,b LLM Poon, DPhil,a Y Guan, PhD,a LYC Yam, ...
  • Primary failure of eruption: a possible cause of posterior open-bite. Am J Orthod. 1981 Aug;80(2):173-90. doi: 10.1016/0002-9416(81)90217-7.
  • Apr 20, 2015 ... Missing iris effect as a possible cause of muted hydrological change and high climate sensitivity in models. Thorsten Mauritsen &; Bjorn Stevens.
  • Nov 21, 2022 ... Physicians urged to consider fungal infections as possible cause for lung inflammation · Climate change widens spread of Valley fever, other ...

Alternatives:

  • potential cause
  • likely cause
  • potential reason
  • plausible cause
  • feasible cause

probable cause

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a more likely reason or explanation for a situation.

Use 'probable cause' when referring to the most likely factor that led to a particular outcome, suggesting a higher level of certainty compared to 'possible cause'.

Examples:

  • The investigation pointed to a probable cause of the fire being faulty wiring.
  • Based on the evidence, the police determined that the driver's distraction was the probable cause of the accident.
  • Courts usually find probable cause when there is a reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed (for an arrest) or when evidence of the ...
  • In United States criminal law, probable cause is the standard by which police authorities have reason to obtain a warrant for the arrest of a suspected ...
  • (3) persons who the peace officer has probable cause to believe have committed an offense defined by Section 25.07, Penal Code, if the offense is not ...
  • Apr 26, 2021 ... If the Magistrate Judge overseeing the hearing finds sufficient probable cause as to the commission of the crime as well as the accused's ...

Alternatives:

  • likely cause
  • most likely reason
  • plausible reason
  • reasonable cause
  • logical cause

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