a certain cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific reason or motivation that is not explicitly named or defined. Example: "The committee gathered to discuss a certain cause that had been brought to their attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Suppose, for example, that rewards were used to encourage people to support a certain cause with a minimum donation.

The Economist

"If you have a certain cause, an art museum or a symphony, and you want to support it, it would be nice if you had the choice".

The New Yorker

Fervent fans have always bound their identity to a certain cause, but it's only in the modern age that it's become quasi-religious.

The Guardian - Opinion

I mean, if you have a certain cause, an art museum, or a symphony, and you want to support it, it would be nice if you had the choice to support it.

The New York Times

Ho and Case (1994): "the assumption that a certain cause will shift the process by a known shift is totally unrealistic".

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

If you really care about a certain cause, there is great joy in being able to both volunteer and write a significant check.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

[I]f you look at the history of donors on the right giving to a certain causes or organizations, they have been subject to some pretty vicious attacks from the organized left.

Huffington Post

If a certain movement or position causes increased symptoms and pain, isolate the injured area and avoid doing that movement.

WikiHow

The nervous system and the brain are a nearly certain cause of what goes on in consciousness, but in Freud's time it was scientifically impossible to reach those causes or bridge the gap between mind and matter.

The New York Times

If you're in an accident, AutoBot can notify friends and family members—a certain heart attack causing SMS.

TechCrunch

From experience we derive our certitude that members of a certain species cause something; but experience does not show why (McGinnis 2003: 320 1).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain cause", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the general nature of the cause, even if the specifics remain unstated. This prevents ambiguity and maintains clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain cause" repeatedly in close proximity without providing any further clarification. This can make your writing vague and frustrating for the reader. Instead, vary your language or provide more detail as the narrative progresses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain cause" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a specific, yet unspecified, reason or motive. It indicates that there is a particular cause, but the writer chooses not to explicitly name it. As Ludwig AI suggests, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain cause" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to indicate a specific but unnamed reason or motivation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's essential to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""a specific reason"" or ""a particular motive"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overuse without clarification to maintain clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific reason

This alternative focuses on the particularity of the reason, emphasizing its distinct nature.

a particular motive

This alternative highlights the underlying motivation behind an action or belief.

a definite purpose

This alternative stresses the clear and well-defined nature of the intended goal.

a distinct objective

This alternative emphasizes the unique and easily identifiable nature of the aim.

a clear rationale

This alternative points to the existence of a well-understood and logical basis.

a known factor

This alternative emphasizes that cause is familiar or previously established.

a determined goal

Focuses on the resolution and intent behind achieving a specific aim.

a selected aim

This refers to a goal that has been specifically chosen.

a pre-decided objective

Implies that the cause has been determined in advance.

a designated reason

Suggests a cause that has been officially or formally chosen.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain cause" to refer to a specific but unnamed reason or motivation. For example: "The organization was dedicated to "a certain cause" related to environmental conservation."

What are some alternatives to "a certain cause"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a specific reason", "a particular motive", or "a definite purpose".

When is it appropriate to use "a certain cause" instead of naming the cause directly?

It's appropriate to use "a certain cause" when the specific details are not relevant to the discussion, when you want to maintain privacy, or when the cause is already understood by the audience.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a certain cause"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "a certain cause" without any context can make your writing vague. Ensure the reader has enough information to understand the general nature of the cause.