Cause and effect

Question 1

When do we use cause?

Answer 1

Cause usually collocates with negative results and situations:

His stomach cancer was caused by exposure to radiation. (negative result)

Question 2

When do we use produce?

Answer 2

Produce is more neutral, and deals with more concrete results. Formal contexts.

Scientists can produce statistics and figures that can prove almost everything.

Question 3

When do we use give?

Answer 3

Give can be used for positive and negative situations and results:

Our dog has given us a lof of pleasure over the years.

This car is giving me so much trouble.

Question 4

When do we use generate?

Answer 4

Generate is often used in context where people are forced to do more than usual, and in computer contexts.

It’s going to be difficult to generate sufficient interest in the project.

This software generates stunning images and graphics.

Question 5

The difficult driving conditions …… several accidents.

Answer 5

The difficult driving conditions caused several accidents.

Question 6

I hope the children haven’t …… you too much trouble.

Answer 6

I hope the children haven’t caused you too much trouble.

Question 7

Most heart attacks are ….. by blood clots.

Answer 7

Most heart attacks are caused by blood clots.

Question 8

France ….. a great deal of wine for export.

Red blood cells are …. in the bone marrow.

Answer 8

France produces a great deal of wine for export.

Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.

Question 9

The senator’s speech ….. an angry response from the opposition.

Answer 9

The senator’s speech produced an angry response from the opposition.

Question 10

Her remarks ….. an awkward silence.

If used on delicate skin, this cream may …… a stinging sensation.

Answer 10

Her remarks produced an awkward silence.

If used on delicate skin, this cream may produce a stinging sensation.

Question 11

The fresh air …. us an appetite (= made us hungry).

Answer 11

The fresh air gave us an appetite (= made us hungry).

Question 12

What you said has …. me an idea.

Answer 12

What you said has given me an idea.

Question 13

The noise and heat of the office was ….. him a headache.

Answer 13

The noise and heat of the office was giving him a headache.

Question 14

Her latest film has ….. a lot of interest/excitement.

Answer 14

Her latest film has generated a lot of interest/excitement.

Question 15

The new development will ….. 1,500 new jobs.

Answer 15

The new development will generate 1,500 new jobs.

Question 16

The proposed tidal barrage would …… enough electricity to supply between 60,000 and 80,000 homes.

Answer 16

The proposed tidal barrage would generate enough electricity to supply between 60,000 and 80,000 homes.

Question 17

These measures will increase the firm’s ability to ….. income.

Answer 17

These measures will increase the firm’s ability to generate income.

Question 18

to cause a reaction, especially a negative one:

The prospect of increased prices has already ….. an outcry.

Test results ….. worries that the reactor could overheat.

Answer 18

to cause a reaction, especially a negative one:

The prospect of increased prices has already provoked an outcry.

Test results provoked worries that the reactor could overheat.

Question 19

The release from prison of two of the terrorists has ….. a public outcry.

These murders have ….. outrage across the country.

Answer 19

The release from prison of two of the terrorists has provoked a public outcry.

These murders have provoked outrage across the country.

Question 20

to make something happen suddenly or sooner than expected:

An invasion would certainly …… a political crisis.

Fear of losing her job ……. (= suddenly forced) her into action.

Answer 20

to make something happen suddenly or sooner than expected:

An invasion would certainly precipitate a political crisis.

Fear of losing her job precipitated (= suddenly forced) her into action.