Cool MateCause vs Factor vs Motive vs Reason vs Source
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Cause
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Factor
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Motive
Top 1,000 (very common)C1noun
Reason
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Source
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| Cause | Factor | Motive | Reason | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kɔːz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kɔːz/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈfæktə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈfæktər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈməʊtɪv/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈməʊtɪv/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈriːzn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈriːzn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //sɔːs//🇺🇸 //sɔrs// |
| Meaning | The reason something happens. | One of the parts that helps to make something happen. | The reason someone does something. | An explanation or cause for something. | The place where something comes from. |
| Example | The cause of the accident was a flat tire. | One important factor to consider when making a decision is the cost. | The detective was trying to find the motive behind the crime. | The reason I am late is because of traffic. | The source of the river is located in the mountains. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | A2 | C1 | A1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | noun | noun | noun |
| Collocations | real, root, true, determine, discover, find, be, lie in something, remain, cause of, cause and effect, the cause of death, due to natural causes, good, great, real, have, find, give (somebody), cause for, cause for concern, with good cause, without good cause, deserving, good, just, advance, champion, embrace, for the cause of, in the cause of, in a/the cause, (all) for a good cause, (all) in a good cause | big, important, main, consider, take into account, identify, be involved, operate, affect something, factor behind, factor in, a combination, number, variety, etc. of factors | hidden, ulterior, good, be inspired by, have, establish, drive somebody/something, motive in, motive behind, motive for, a variety of motives | cogent, good, sound, be aware of, see, have, by reason of, for a/the reason, for reason of, all the more reason, all sorts of reasons, every reason, cogent, good, sound, be aware of, see, have, by reason of, for a/the reason, for reason of, all the more reason, all sorts of reasons, every reason, human, lose, be open to, listen to, beyond reason, within reason, an appeal to reason, faculty of reason, sense of reason, human, lose, be open to, listen to, beyond reason, within reason, an appeal to reason, faculty of reason, sense of reason | source of information, primary source, data source |
| Antonyms | effect, result | result, outcome | apathy, indifference | cause, consequence | destination, result |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'cause' with 'because' in sentences., Using 'caused' incorrectly when the present form 'cause' is needed., Incorrectly using 'cause' as a noun instead of a verb. | Confused with 'factor' as a verb vs. noun., Using 'fact' instead of 'factor'., Pluralizing incorrectly as 'factorses'. | Confused with 'motive' vs 'motif' (artistic theme), Using 'motive' for general causes instead of specific reasons, Incorrectly pluralizing as 'motives' when referring to a singular reason | Confused with 'rationale' — 'reason' is broader., Using 'reason' without 'for' — remember to include it when explaining cause., Mispronouncing as 'ree-zen' instead of 'ree-zon'. | Confused with 'resource' which refers to a supply or support., Used incorrectly as a verb; 'source' is only a noun in this context. |
| Usage notes | Use 'cause' in standard writing and conversation. In formal contexts, you might use 'cause' less frequently, opting for 'cause' instead. Avoid using it in very casual or children's language. | Use 'factor' in both academic and everyday contexts when discussing influences or components. It's appropriate in formal writing and discussions but less common in casual speech. | Used in both formal and informal settings. Common in discussions about reasons behind actions, but avoid in casual conversations unless discussing motivations seriously. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing, it often appears in discussions and academic papers. In conversational settings, it's common to ask for someone's reason behind their choices. | Used in both formal and informal contexts; can refer to information, origins, or places. |
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Frequently asked questions: Cause vs Factor vs Motive vs Reason vs Source
What's the difference between Cause, Factor, Motive, Reason, and Source?
Cause: The reason something happens. Factor: One of the parts that helps to make something happen. Motive: The reason someone does something. Reason: An explanation or cause for something. Source: The place where something comes from.
Which is more advanced: Cause, Factor, Motive, Reason, and Source?
Motive is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Cause, Factor, Motive, Reason, and Source the same CEFR level?
Cause: A2, Factor: A2, Motive: C1, Reason: A1, Source: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Cause, Factor, Motive, Reason, and Source?
Cause: noun, Factor: noun, Motive: noun, Reason: noun, Source: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Cause: The cause of the accident was a flat tire. Factor: One important factor to consider when making a decision is the cost. Motive: The detective was trying to find the motive behind the crime. Reason: The reason I am late is because of traffic. Source: The source of the river is located in the mountains.
Can I use Cause, Factor, Motive, Reason, and Source interchangeably?
Not always. Cause, Factor, Motive, Reason, and Source are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.