Cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Cause" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal.
You can use it as a shorthand for "because" in casual writing or conversation. Example: "I didn't go to the party cause I was feeling sick."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can cause problems.

The New York Times

While some may say the changes in England have so far only been at the margins, it is the risk of a slippery slope that should cause concern.

The Guardian

The prime minister will not get a substantive renegotiation of the UK's terms of membership before 2017, so the referendum question will not be about his supposed diplomatic triumph but rather: "Do you want to stay in the present EU, with all its deficiencies and problems?" The referendum will cause grave financial and economic instability and make the UK a laughing stock across the globe.

The Guardian

"On websites like Makerble you follow the project or cause that you're interested in".

The Guardian

He was the thorn in everyone's side, the gleeful imp who was just there to cause trouble.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

China, the world's biggest emitter, was in 45th spot – one below the US, which is the world's second largest emitter of greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

The Guardian

Farage is in a swing through northern cities in a bid to capture the Labour vote, and will not welcome this distraction in the opening days of a campaign in which he is hoping to cause a political earthquake by coming first in the popular vote in the European elections.

The Guardian

Miranda Larbi, an MA newspaper journalism student at City University, says: "I'm nervous that in a couple of weeks I won't have my watch in my law exam – and that might cause problems.

The Guardian

Rising temperatures leading to greater water scarcity, sea level rises and extreme weather events may exacerbate tensions over natural resources and cause large numbers of people to become "climate refugees" as they migrate across borders.

The Guardian - Opinion

The appeasement of Assad, like other appeasements in history, will cause more nightmares.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are particularly scathing about the coalition's reliance on the responsibility deal, in which food and drink firms voluntarily agree moves to reduce the harm their products can cause.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Cause" to refer to a principle or goal that one is dedicated to. For instance, "She dedicated her life to the cause of environmental conservation."

Common error

Avoid using "Cause" as a direct substitute for "because" in formal writing. Use "because", "since", or "as" for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The word "Cause" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the source or reason for an event, as seen in Ludwig: "The cause of the accident is under investigation". It can also function as a verb, meaning to bring about an effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "Cause" is a versatile term with distinct noun and verb forms, frequently used to denote the origin of an event or to champion a belief. Ludwig AI confirms that this word can be used correctly in many contexts. Predominantly featured in news and media sources, its usage spans from neutral explanations to advocatory contexts. While generally considered grammatically correct, be cautious not to replace "because" with "Cause" in formal writing. Exploring synonyms like "reason", "source", and "drive" can enrich expression, but each carries its unique nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reason

Focuses on the justification or explanation behind an event or action.

Source

Emphasizes the origin or point of commencement of something.

Origin

Highlights the beginning or root of an event or situation.

Impetus

Refers to the driving force or initial motivation.

Grounds

Implies a basis or justification for an action or belief.

Purpose

Emphasizes the intended aim or objective.

Drive

Highlights the motivating factor or ambition.

Movement

Refers to a series of actions or endeavors working toward a particular goal.

Campaign

Implies a planned set of activities over a period of time.

Effort

Focuses on the exertion of energy toward a specific end.

FAQs

How can I use "Cause" in a sentence?

You can use "Cause" as a noun to indicate the reason for something, such as "The main cause of the accident was speeding". You can also use it as a verb, meaning to make something happen, as in "The rain caused the river to flood".

What's the difference between "Cause" and "Reason"?

"Cause" refers to the direct source or agent that produces an effect, while "Reason" is a justification or explanation. For example, the cause of a fire might be a spark, while the reason for arson is malicious intent.

Which is the correct use, "Cause of" or "Cause for"?

"Cause of" is used to indicate what produces an effect (e.g., "The cause of the delay"). "Cause for" indicates a reason or justification for a feeling or action (e.g., "Cause for concern").

What are some synonyms for "Cause" when referring to a movement or belief?

When referring to a movement or belief, you can use synonyms like crusade, campaign, movement, or effort. Each of these carries a slightly different connotation but conveys the same general idea of working towards a specific goal. See also: "Reason", "Source", "Drive".