What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
causality
Example
The concept of causality is important in understanding how actions lead to consequences. [causality: noun]
Example
Scientists often investigate causality in their research to determine the factors that lead to certain outcomes. [causality: noun]
causation
Example
There is a clear causation between smoking and lung cancer. [causation: noun]
Example
The causation of the accident was determined to be a mechanical failure. [causation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Causation is more commonly used than causality in everyday language. Causation is frequently employed in legal, scientific, or medical contexts to describe the direct relationship between a cause and its effect. On the other hand, causality is less common and is typically used in more specialized or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between causality and causation?
Both causality and causation are formal words that are commonly used in scientific and academic contexts. However, causality may be considered slightly more formal due to its abstract nature and its usage in philosophical and theoretical discussions.