Using Collocation to Boost Your IELTS Score - Key Word: Cause

Collocations are essential for expressing ideas naturally in IELTS Speaking and Writing. The word “cause” is widely used to describe reasons, effects, and issues — making it a powerful word for both academic and general contexts in IELTS.

Let’s explore how to use “cause” effectively through verbs, adjectives, and common expressions.

Verb + Cause

Exercise 1: Identify Verbs Meaning “Find”

Underline the verbs which mean ‘find’ in the following sentences:

1. The cause of the fire may never be discovered.
2. The police never actually determined the cause of death.
3. Investigators have been called in to establish the cause of the plane crash.
4. Engineers are trying to isolate the cause of the problem.

Answer Key: 1. discovered, 2. determined, 3. establish, 4. isolate

IELTS Tip: In IELTS Writing Task 2, you can use these verbs to describe reasons behind issues:

• Researchers have established the main cause of global warming to be human activity.
• Scientists are still trying to isolate the cause of the new disease outbreak.

Common Adjective Collocations with “Cause”

Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences

Use the words below: common – exact – likely – real – main – underlying

1. Although they can’t be certain, the investigators think that the most likely cause of the crash was that the driver of the train had a heart attack.
2. The most common cause of air accidents is pilot error – not mechanical failure.
3. Although the link is not clear, many politicians believe that unemployment is the underlying cause of a lot of urban crime.
4. We don’t know why my aunt died. The post mortem will determine the exact cause.
5. Speeding is the main cause of road accidents.
6. We all know what the inquiry said, but do you think that was the real cause of John’s death?

Answer Key: 1. likely, 2. common, 3. underlying, 4. exact, 5. main, 6. real

IELTS Tip: Use adjective + cause collocations to sound natural in IELTS Writing:

• The main cause of traffic congestion is the growing number of private vehicles.
• Researchers are still identifying the underlying causes of climate change.

Cause + For

Exercise 3: Complete the Sentences

Use the following nouns: alarm – celebration – complaint – concern – optimism

1. My grandmother’s failing health is giving us cause for concern. She might have to go into hospital.
2. We have run into some severe turbulence, but there is no cause for alarm. Please fasten your seatbelts and remain seated.
3. I have no cause for complaint. The flights, the hotel, and the food have all been excellent.
4. Following the breakdown of talks, the present political climate gives little cause for optimism.
5. Arsenal’s victory in the competition was cause for celebration, and the fans partied till 3am.

Answer Key: 1. concern, 2. alarm, 3. complaint, 4. optimism, 5. celebration

IELTS Examples:

• There is cause for optimism regarding renewable energy development.
• Many people expressed cause for concern over the rising cost of living.

Common Expressions with “Cause”

Exercise 4: Match the Two Halves

Answer Key: 1-e, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a, 5-c

IELTS Tip: Expressions like “without good cause” or “cause and effect” are useful for Writing Task 2 essays that require reasoning:

• This essay will explore the causes and effects of urban pollution.

Cause as Something People Believe In

Apart from meaning reason, “cause” can also refer to a movement or belief people support.

Example: Many people leave money to good causes such as charities or humanitarian organizations.

Exercise 5: Fill in the Blanks with a Suitable Preposition

1. Most people want independence, and many young men are willing to fight for the cause.
2. These violent demonstrations will do little to further the cause of animal rights.
3. Anti-smoking campaigners hope the public will be sympathetic to their cause.
4. I don’t mind giving money if it is for a good cause.

Answer Key: 1. for, 2. of, 3. to, 4. for

IELTS Speaking Examples:

• I often donate to charities that support the cause of children’s education.
• She has dedicated her life to fighting for the cause of gender equality.

Why Learning “Cause” Collocations is Important for IELTS

Mastering collocations with “cause” helps you:

• Write more cohesive and academic essays in Writing Task 2
• Speak with natural fluency in Part 3 of the Speaking Test
• Understand cause-and-effect relationships in Reading and Listening sections

Example for Writing Task 2: The main cause of environmental degradation is human activity, particularly deforestation and pollution.

Understanding and using collocations with “cause” can significantly enhance your IELTS Writing and Speaking scores. By mastering these natural word combinations, you’ll be able to explain reasons, describe effects, and express ideas with accuracy and confidence.

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