a bad cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bad cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a cause that is not desirable or beneficial, such as: "Getting involved in this fight was a bad cause; it only led to more conflict between us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

So what do you make of Duch's claim that he was guilty only of serving a bad cause?

The New Yorker

It has ever been a strategy of the advocate of a bad cause to take refuge from the spirit of the Bible to its letter...

The New York Times - Arts

"The middle-of-the-road person we're clearing for transfer is a low-level, not very sophisticated volunteer for a bad cause," the official said.

The New York Times

"Bad facts make bad law," she said, meaning that when slavery, a bad cause, was linked with states' sovereignty, a good cause, the nation did too much to curtail state's rights.

The New York Times

"You give money to a bad cause like Bill Clinton and you ought to be ashamed of yourself," he says.

Forbes

San Martín was aware that the new enlightened ideas at stake in the Napoleonic Wars influenced many of the Spanish military, and expected to convince Zabala that absolutism was a bad cause to defend.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Call me a douche and a bad speller, cause I am, but do not dare question my knowledge of Carroll Shelby and the industry.

TechCrunch

"It's a bad time cause there's no place to play".

Huffington Post

Bad cause, fine monument.

Independent

"I don't think that a bad economy causes violence," said Julia Spann, executive director of SafePlace.

The New York Times

But a bad stretch caused General Manager Bob Gainey to take over two weeks ago.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a bad cause", ensure the context clearly defines why the cause is considered negative, whether it's due to ethical concerns, practical consequences, or strategic disadvantages.

Common error

Avoid using "a bad cause" when more specific and descriptive language could better convey the nuanced reasons for the cause's negativity. For instance, instead of saying "supporting that was a bad cause", specify whether it was unethical, unsustainable, or impractical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies something as being detrimental, unethical, or otherwise undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad cause" is a noun phrase used to describe an undesirable or detrimental endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the phrase appears in various contexts, mainly within news and media, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines why the cause is considered negative. Consider alternatives like "a misguided endeavor" or "a futile undertaking" to provide more specific nuances. Avoid overusing the phrase in overly simplistic contexts to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a futile undertaking

Stresses the pointlessness and ineffectiveness of the activity.

an ill-advised venture

Suggests poor judgment and a lack of foresight.

a misguided endeavor

Emphasizes the flawed nature of the undertaking itself.

a harmful enterprise

Highlights the potential for causing harm or damage.

an ill-fated project

Suggests the project is destined to fail or have negative consequences.

a detrimental pursuit

Highlights the damaging effects of the activity.

an unworthy objective

Implies the cause lacks moral or ethical value.

an unproductive effort

Focuses on the lack of positive results from the work.

a negative influence

Focuses on the damaging impact the cause has on others.

a losing battle

Indicates the high probability of failure and futility.

FAQs

How can I use "a bad cause" in a sentence?

You can use "a bad cause" to describe something that is not desirable or beneficial. For example: "Getting involved in this fight was "a bad cause"; it only led to more conflict between us."

What are some alternatives to "a bad cause"?

Some alternatives include "a misguided endeavor", "a detrimental pursuit", or "a futile undertaking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to associate with "a bad cause"?

Yes, the phrase inherently carries a negative connotation, implying that supporting or engaging with the cause is likely to lead to undesirable outcomes.

How can I identify if something is "a bad cause"?

Consider the ethical implications, potential consequences, and overall impact of the cause. If it leads to harm, injustice, or unsustainable practices, it can likely be classified as "a bad cause".