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.

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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.work
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.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: a/the root cause of [something]

Wrongthe root cause for the problem.

Rightthe root cause of the problem.

'The root cause OF something', not 'for'.

Patterna/the root cause of [something]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff We must identify the fundamental underlying causative factor of the failure.

Natural We need to find the root cause of the failure.

'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
ofaddressidentifytackle

Don't confuse it

Unlike 'main cause' (which is simply the most important cause), 'root cause' refers to the original or underlying source of a problem, not just the most obvious or immediate one.

Try it in Daily Speak →