a cause for reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cause for reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that prompts thought or consideration about a particular topic or situation. Example: "The recent events in our community serve as a cause for reflection on our values and priorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

For parents, it's joyful, too -- and for those who take their religions seriously, a cause for reflection as well.

The New York Times

If student knowledge, skills and understanding are not improving in these areas, it is a cause for reflection.

The Guardian

The head of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, Robert Randall, said the lack of improvement was "a cause for reflection".

The Guardian

Just over 6,000 to watch a team topping the division, on a day without competition from the Premier League or Championship, can only be disappointing, and should be a cause for reflection.

The Guardian - Sport

In a telephone interview, Mr. Gould said the Russian executives' history of litigation was "a cause for reflection," but he added, "I don't think you should take the past as a guide for the future".

The New York Times

After all, the parades in the Nigerian capital on 1 October were marred by bombings and death, and Fela's youngest son Seun Kuti, a headliner here, said: "I'm celebrating Uncle Tony's 70th and not Nigeria's 50th – that's a cause for reflection, not celebration".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

They are all cause for reflection.

Huffington Post

"Turning 50 is a cause for sombre reflection, not celebration," opined Norris and, as a flurry of firemen attempted to free her empurpled cranium, shame descended once more.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

With the world body recognizing recent pivotal gains in the fight against malaria, it was a cause for celebration and reflection.

Unicef

Most of it is stream-of-conscious stuff, occasionally revealing a private fantasy or disillusionment, giving cause for reflection and thought.

The New York Times

By Anthony Lane A passing demographer, faced with a crowd lining up to watch "Superman Returns," will find much cause for reflection.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cause for reflection" when you want to suggest that something warrants serious thought and consideration. It's particularly useful when discussing events or situations with moral, ethical, or societal implications.

Common error

Avoid using "a cause for reflection" in everyday, trivial situations. The phrase carries a certain weight and is best reserved for more significant matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cause for reflection" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something that warrants or prompts careful and thoughtful consideration. Ludwig AI indicates that the expression is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cause for reflection" is a grammatically correct and accepted expression used to indicate that something warrants thoughtful consideration. Ludwig AI's analysis of various sources reveals it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting its appropriateness for serious discussions. While alternatives like "a reason to ponder" or "food for thought" exist, "a cause for reflection" maintains a level of formality suitable for significant issues. Use this phrase to prompt thoughtful analysis and avoid overusing it in casual scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reason to ponder

Replaces "cause" with "reason" and "reflection" with the more general term "ponder", making it slightly less formal.

a prompt for contemplation

Substitutes "cause" with "prompt" and "reflection" with "contemplation", suggesting a more deliberate and extended period of thought.

a matter for consideration

Emphasizes the need to carefully think about something, focusing on the act of considering different aspects.

something to think about

A very general and informal way of saying that something warrants consideration.

food for thought

An idiomatic expression suggesting something that provides intellectual stimulation and encourages reflection.

an occasion for introspection

Specifically suggests looking inward and examining one's own thoughts and feelings.

a subject for rumination

Implies a deep and often prolonged period of thought, sometimes with a sense of worry or anxiety.

reason for pause

Suggests a moment to stop and think before proceeding, highlighting the need for careful consideration.

a call to consider

More direct and active, urging someone to think about a particular issue or situation.

grounds for deliberation

Highlights the need for careful and thorough discussion and debate.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cause for reflection" to indicate that something should prompt serious thought. For example, "The company's declining profits are "a cause for reflection" on its business strategies."

What phrases are similar to "a cause for reflection"?

Similar phrases include "a reason to ponder", "a prompt for contemplation", or "food for thought". These alternatives also suggest something that warrants consideration.

Is "reason for reflection" a suitable alternative to "a cause for reflection"?

Yes, "reason for reflection" is a suitable alternative. While "cause" implies something that brings about a result, "reason" implies a justification or explanation. Both effectively convey the idea that something warrants thoughtful consideration.

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

It's appropriate to use "a cause for reflection" when discussing events or issues that have significant implications and require careful consideration, such as social changes, ethical dilemmas, or personal milestones.