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Regarding the following construction

Lengthy literature survey is mainly caused for this extension.

I would like to ask:

  1. Do I correctly use "cause" in above sentence?

  2. What is the general rule when using "cause"?

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    I think you are using "caused for" where you should use "due to".
    – user114
    Commented Apr 8, 2013 at 19:43

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1 No - your current sentence is ungrammatical. You probably should use because instead of cause

The main reason I need an extension is because the literature survey took so long.

If you want to keep the word cause, you can use the slightly more stilted

The lengthy literature survey caused me to need an extension.

2 Use of the word cause is given in the dictionary:

Cause Noun

A person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition.

Verb

Make (something) happen: "this disease can cause blindness".

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  • that mean, cause doesnt want to use with 'to'?
    – gnp
    Commented Apr 8, 2013 at 20:08
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    Another possibility, though more roundabout, is "The lengthy literature survey is the main cause for this extension."
    – barbara beeton
    Commented Apr 8, 2013 at 20:13
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    @gnp: Not exactly. As a noun, cause behaves like the noun reason. So the fire in my kitchen gave me cause to shout for help is fine. As a verb, cause normally takes the form "X caused Y" or "X caused Y to Z" for example: My toaster caused a fire to start in my kitchen.
    – Matt
    Commented Apr 8, 2013 at 20:14
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    +1 for stating that noun cause behaves like reason. My book 'Oxford English Grammar' is also stating the exact same thing.
    – EnglishLearner
    Commented Apr 8, 2013 at 20:42

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