cause
To make something happen, especially something bad or unpleasant. It is used to describe the action that results in a specific effect or situation.
Examples
3 of 5Heavy rain can cause traffic problems in the morning.
Strong rain can lead to many cars being stuck on the road.
The doctor explained that smoking may cause lung disease.
The physician said that smoking might lead to illness in the lungs.
Don't cause any trouble while I am away.
Do not start any problems while I am gone.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember that 'Cause' starts with a 'C' and comes before 'Effect' which starts with an 'E', just like in the alphabet.
Quick Quiz
The loud noise ____ the baby to wake up and cry.
Correct!
The correct answer is: caused
Examples
Heavy rain can cause traffic problems in the morning.
everydayStrong rain can lead to many cars being stuck on the road.
The doctor explained that smoking may cause lung disease.
formalThe physician said that smoking might lead to illness in the lungs.
Don't cause any trouble while I am away.
informalDo not start any problems while I am gone.
Increased carbon dioxide levels cause global temperatures to rise.
academicHigher levels of carbon dioxide result in the planet getting hotter.
The technical error caused a delay in the project schedule.
businessThe computer mistake made the project finish later than planned.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
cause for concern
a reason to be worried
root cause
the main or fundamental reason something happens
cause an effect
to make a change happen
Often Confused With
A 'cause' is the event that makes something happen; a 'reason' is the explanation or justification for it.
Usage Notes
The verb 'cause' is most frequently used with negative outcomes like accidents, diseases, or problems. When using it with an action, the pattern is usually 'cause someone/something to do something'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to include 'to' when following the verb with another action, for example, saying 'caused him fall' instead of 'caused him to fall'.
Memory Tip
Remember that 'Cause' starts with a 'C' and comes before 'Effect' which starts with an 'E', just like in the alphabet.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French word 'cause', which comes from the Latin 'causa', meaning a reason, sake, or case.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The loud noise ____ the baby to wake up and cry.
Correct!
The correct answer is: caused
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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