Cause and effect

1. 'Cause' verbs and their collocations
"Cause" usually collocates with negative results and situations:
_ The new computer system has caused us a lot of problems
_ His stomach cancer was caused by exposure to atomic radiation.

"Produce' is more neutral, and deals with more concrete results. It is used in formal contexts.
_ Scientists can produce statistics and figures that can prove almost anything.
_ In low light conditions, a fast film will produce the best photographs.

While "cause" usually collocates with negative situations, "give" can be used for positive or negative ones. "Give" is less formal than "cause".
_ Our dog has given us a lot of pleasure over the years.
_ This car is giving me so much trouble, I'm going to get rid of it.

"Generate" is often used in contexts where people are forced to do more than usual, and in computer contexts. It sometimes has a rather negative feel. It is used in formal contexts.
_ It's going to be difficult to generate sufficient interest in the project.
_ The goverment will have to generate the extra funds somehow or other.

General comment:
Cause and give are often used for things happening without people doing anything:
_ The hurricane caused terrible damage.
Produce and generate ususally suggest some sort of intervention by people:
_ His presentation generated a lot of interest in the project.

2. Other 'cause' verbs
_ The news provoked (v- khiêu khích, chọc tức) a feeling of despair (n- thất vọng) in everyone
_ The events in the north precipitated/ sparked off a political crisis. (quickly/suddenly caused)
_ The invention of the car has brought about great changes in our lives. (gradually produced)
_ Your action has resulted in a formal complaint from a member of the public. (produced)


_ The decision by the government to relax the regulations has generated a lot of investment in the poorer regions.
_ We need to produce a list of names and addresses by six o'clock tonight.
_ Her death was caused by a sign falling from a shop front in the heavy winds.
_ The Governor's remarks almost sparked off/ precipitated a full-scale war between the two regions.
_ His stupidity resulted in none of us being able to get home that night.
_ Your letters have given me so much pleasure. Please don't stop writing them.
_ The book provoked a lot of anger amongst female readers.
_ I don't neccessarily precipitate to a crisis, but I have some bad news to tell you all.

_ Owing to/ As a result of/Because of the crash on the motorway, all traffic is being severely delayed.
_ We got there in time, thanks to your advice.
_ My computer crashed, as a result of which I lost all the data.
_ As a result of/ because of one bad decision after another, he's lost all his money.
_ The light was cancelled due to/ owing to bad weather.