a cause that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cause that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a reason or justification for something, often followed by a clause that explains the cause. Example: "There is a cause that drives many people to volunteer their time and resources to help others in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

* Give to a cause that counts.

The New York Times

Social housing, then, is a cause that needs defending.

The Guardian

That is a cause that could not be more just.

The Guardian

This was a cause that never looked like a winner.

Independent

It is plain then that nature is a cause, a cause that operates for a purpose.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It's about bringing awareness to a cause that plagues our country.

The Guardian - Sport

Is a celebrity who gives substantial support to a cause that isn't yours a bad person?

The Guardian

Other investment houses should join a cause that has a reasonable chance of succeeding.

The Guardian - Business

Still, Mrs. Bush has come late to a cause that is, for most Americans, fairly obscure.

The New York Times

It's an incredibly admirable mission – and a cause that could use as much help as possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

"People felt their lives were enlarged by a cause that was greater than themselves".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cause that" when you want to emphasize the reason or justification behind an action or belief. It adds a sense of purpose and significance to the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "a cause that" as a filler phrase without a clear and specific connection to the subsequent explanation. Always ensure the connection between the cause and its effect is evident to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cause that" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional information about a noun (the cause). According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cause that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a reason, motivation, or aim. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's commonly found in news, academic, and business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure a clear connection between the cause and its effect, and consider alternatives like "a reason that" or "a purpose that" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reason that

Replaces "cause" with a more general term for explanation or justification.

a purpose that

Emphasizes the intended aim or objective behind an action.

a goal that

Highlights the desired outcome or achievement being pursued.

an aim that

Similar to "goal", but can also imply a direction or intention.

a matter that

Shifts the focus to the subject or issue under consideration.

an issue that

Highlights a problem or point of concern that needs to be addressed.

a concern that

Focuses on something that causes worry or anxiety.

a factor that

Identifies a contributing element or influence.

an objective that

Similar to "goal" but more formal and specific.

a motivation that

Highlights the underlying drive or incentive.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cause that" to introduce a reason or justification for something. For example, "Volunteering is "a cause that" many people support".

What are some alternatives to "a cause that"?

Alternatives include "a reason that", "a purpose that", or "a goal that depending on the context".

Is "a cause that" formal or informal?

"A cause that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and register of your writing.

What's the difference between "a cause that" and "a reason why"?

"A cause that" typically refers to a principle, aim, or movement, while "a reason why" is a more general explanation for something. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing a broader purpose or a specific justification.