a cause for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a cause for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate what brings about a certain effect or result. For example, "Rising sea levels due to climate change are a cause for alarm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A cause for tears?

Independent

"It's a cause for optimism".

The New York Times

A cause for celebration?

The New York Times

"That person's a cause for concern".

The New York Times

But today is a cause for celebration.

Independent

It will be a cause for shame.

The Economist

But is it a cause for worry?

The New York Times

This surely is a cause for celebration.

The Economist

Inflation is always a cause for concern.

The Economist

Is that a cause for complacency?

The New York Times

Theresa's crisps a cause for concern?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a cause for", be specific about what feeling or reaction it is prompting (e.g., concern, celebration, alarm).

Common error

Avoid using "a cause for" when a simple "reason for" would suffice. The phrase implies a slightly stronger emotional or consequential connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cause for" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the reason or justification for a particular emotion, reaction, or situation. Ludwig AI indicates that it’s correct and usable in written English. Examples show its versatility in expressing causes for concern, celebration, or worry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cause for" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to introduce the reason or motive behind a particular feeling, action, or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. Alternatives such as "reason for" or "justification for" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity to effectively communicate the cause-and-effect relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for

Focuses on the logical explanation or justification.

justification for

Emphasizes the act of showing something to be right or reasonable.

basis for

Highlights the foundation or underlying principle.

grounds for

Indicates sufficient reasons to take a specific action.

rationale for

Stresses the set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action or belief.

explanation for

Highlights the clarification or elucidation of why something happened.

motivation for

Focuses on the driving force or incentive behind an action.

impetus for

Indicates the force or energy with which a body moves.

source of

Identifies the origin or starting point of something.

reason behind

Implies an underlying or less obvious reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cause for" to indicate something that prompts a particular reaction or emotion. For example, "The increase in unemployment is "a cause for concern"".

What are some alternatives to "a cause for"?

Alternatives include "reason for", "justification for", or "basis for", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a cause for" or "the cause of"?

"A cause for" indicates a reason or justification, while "the cause of" refers to the origin or source of something. For example, "Rising sea levels are a cause for alarm", versus "Pollution is the cause of rising sea levels".

When is it appropriate to use "a cause for celebration"?

Use "a cause for celebration" when something positive or significant has occurred, warranting a celebratory response. For instance, "The company's record profits are a cause for celebration".