determine cause

You use this phrase when you want to sound precise. It often follows verbs like need to or trying to. You can use it for big things like a mystery at work. You can also use it for small things like why your cake burnt.

• Use it with the: determine the cause.
• Use it with of: determine the cause of the noise.
• It sounds smart but not too stiff.

Use this in professional settings when solving problems. It is perfect for meetings where everyone is confused. Use it at the doctor's office to explain your symptoms. It also works when talking about science or history. If your friend is crying, you might want to determine the cause of their sadness. It shows you care about the real reason, not just the surface.

Avoid this phrase for very simple, obvious things. If you drop a glass, don't say you need to determine the cause of it breaking. Gravity is the obvious answer! Using it for tiny accidents makes you sound like a robot. Also, don't use it if you are just making a quick assumption. This phrase implies you are doing a bit of investigation first.

In English-speaking cultures, we love 'root cause analysis.' This phrase comes from a desire for logic and efficiency. It is very common in Western medicine and law. People want to fix the source of a problem, not just the symptoms. It reflects a culture that values 'getting to the bottom of things.' It is the language of problem-solvers and leaders.

You will often hear people say find the root cause. This means finding the very first thing that went wrong. Another variation is identify the cause. This is slightly more formal. If you are in a rush, you might just say figure out why. But determine cause remains the gold standard for looking professional and capable.