Cool MateCause vs Inflict
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Cause
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Inflict
FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1verb
Most formal: InflictMost common: Cause
| Cause | Inflict | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kɔːz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kɔːz/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈflɪkt/","/ɪnˈflɪkts/","/ɪnˈflɪktɪd/","/ɪnˈflɪktɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈflɪkt/","/ɪnˈflɪkts/","/ɪnˈflɪktɪd/","/ɪnˈflɪktɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | The reason something happens. | To cause something painful or unpleasant to someone. |
| Example | The cause of the accident was a flat tire. | They inflicted a humiliating defeat on the home team. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | verb |
| 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 | deliberately, intentionally, on, upon |
| Antonyms | effect, result | relieve, soothe, comfort |
| 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 'instill' — they have different meanings., Used with incorrect prepositions, such as 'to' instead of 'on'., Using it in conversations where a milder word like 'give' would be more appropriate. |
| 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 'inflict' when discussing harm or suffering, typically in serious contexts. It may be too strong for light conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Cause vs Inflict
What's the difference between Cause and Inflict?
Cause: The reason something happens. Inflict: To cause something painful or unpleasant to someone.
Which is more formal: Cause and Inflict?
Inflict is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Cause and Inflict?
Cause is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Cause and Inflict?
Inflict is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Cause and Inflict the same CEFR level?
Cause: A2, Inflict: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Cause and Inflict?
Cause: noun, Inflict: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Cause: The cause of the accident was a flat tire. Inflict: They inflicted a humiliating defeat on the home team.
Can I use Cause and Inflict interchangeably?
Not always. Cause and Inflict 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.