What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
source
Example
The source of the river is in the mountains. [source: noun]
Example
I need to find the source of this information before I can trust it. [source: noun]
cause
Example
The cause of the accident was the driver's negligence. [cause: noun]
Example
Smoking can cause lung cancer. [cause: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cause is more commonly used than source in everyday language. Cause is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while source is more specific and often used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between source and cause?
Source is often associated with a formal or technical tone, while cause can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
