"the main cause" vs "the main cause of"

Question

"the main cause" vs "the main cause of"

Both "the main cause" and "the main cause of" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "The main cause" is used when the cause is already known or implied, while "the main cause of" is used when specifying the cause of something.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used when the cause is already known or implied. It is often followed by a description of the effect or consequence.

Examples:

The main cause of the accident was overspeeding.
Lack of communication was the main cause of the misunderstanding.

Alternatives:

the primary cause
the leading cause
the root cause
the underlying cause
the key factor

This phrase is used when specifying the cause of something. It is followed by the effect or consequence.

Examples:

The main cause of poverty is lack of education.
The main cause of climate change is human activity.

Alternatives:

the primary cause of
the leading cause of
the root cause of
the underlying cause of
the key factor in

Answer 1

the main cause

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

the main cause of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"the main cause" vs "the main cause of"

the main cause

the main cause of

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