Grammar fix
a root cause
underlying cause (of a problem)
the most basic or fundamental reason why something happens, especially a problem or negative situation, often used when analyzing issues in depth.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
After several meetings, the team finally identified a root cause of the recurring software failures.
In my opinion, a root cause of stress among university students is the pressure to achieve top grades, which often leads to anxiety and burnout.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: the root cause for the problem.
Say: the root cause of the problem.
'The root cause OF something', not 'for'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Fundamental underlying causative factor' is jargon for what natives just call the 'root cause'.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
the root cause of
- of
- address
- identify
- tackle