cause

causeverb

1. make happenmake something happen, especially something bad

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + two objects [V + obj + obj]

   • The storm caused a lot of damage. V + obj
   • What caused the fire? V + obj
   • I'm sorry to cause you so much trouble. V + obj + obj
   • Heavy rain caused flooding in the valley. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun cause damage, cause problems, cause trouble, cause an accident, cause delays

   adverb + verb directly cause, partly cause

   Synonyms create; breed; bring; give

   Compare bring about (bring about means cause, usually a change; bring alone means cause only in phrases such as bring success)

   For translators (sense 1)

   Grammar trap Cause can take two objects, the person first: cause someone problems. It is also common with for: cause problems for someone.

2. make domake someone or something do something

   transitive [T] verb + object + to-infinitive [V + obj + to-inf]

   • The cold caused the pipes to burst. V + obj + to-inf
   • What caused you to change your mind? V + obj + to-inf
   • A loud noise caused the horse to jump. V + obj + to-inf

   Compare make (make someone do something, with no to; cause someone to do something)

   For translators (sense 2)

   Grammar trap After cause and its object, the next verb takes to: caused her to cry, not a bare verb as after make.

See also cause (the noun: the cause of the fire)