cause and effect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Because the study was observational, it cannot prove cause and effect.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

The study is cross-sectional, which means it cannot determine cause and effect and may be influenced by confounding factors or reverse causation.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

However, the researchers note that the findings show a correlation, not cause and effect, and that factors like motivation or self-discipline may also influence outcomes.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

The Nobel laureate’s work transformed how central banks understand cause and effect in the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

But when it comes to cause and effect, there is often a trap in such open-and-shut thinking.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt