a common cause

USAGE SUMMARY

'a common cause' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a shared purpose or goal among a group of people. For example: "The protesters gathered in the capital for a common cause: to fight for equal rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have a common cause.

The New York Times

It gave us a common cause".

The New York Times - Arts

These concerns may have a common cause: soaring insurance premiums.

The New York Times

Today, the human race has joined in a common cause.

The Guardian

United together with passion for a common cause.

The Guardian

In women, a common cause of varicose veins is pregnancy.

Harvard University

Rotator cuff pathology is a common cause of shoulder pain.

Stanford University

It was a familiar poison, a common cause of diarrhea.

The New York Times - Health

Measles is a common cause of death in children.

Britannica

Subacromial bursitis is a common cause of shoulder pain.

Stanford University

A common cause of earaches is changes in air pressure.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common cause" to highlight unity and shared purpose, especially when discussing collaborative efforts or social movements.

Common error

Avoid using "a common cause" when the reason for unity is superficial or fleeting. This phrase is best reserved for more profound, enduring connections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common cause" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting a shared goal or reason for unity. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

24%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common cause" is a noun phrase denoting a shared objective or reason that unites people. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While versatile, it's important to ensure the shared goal is clearly defined. Alternatives such as "a shared objective" or "a mutual goal" can be used to fine-tune the intended meaning. The phrase exhibits a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse audiences and communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common goal

Similar to "a shared objective" but slightly more general.

a shared objective

Focuses specifically on the shared goal that unites people.

a mutual goal

Emphasizes the reciprocity of the goal among those involved.

a unified purpose

Highlights the cohesiveness and single-mindedness of the intent.

a joint effort

Stresses the collaborative aspect of working together.

a collective aim

Underscores that the aim belongs to a group as a whole.

a united front

Suggests a display of solidarity and agreement, often against opposition.

a unifying factor

Highlights an element that brings disparate individuals together.

shared values

Underlines that the community adheres to the same principles.

collective interest

Emphasizes that all group members profit from the same advantages.

FAQs

How is "a common cause" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a common cause" is generally used to describe a shared goal or reason that unites a group of people. For instance, "The activists united for "a common cause": environmental protection."

What are some alternatives to "a common cause"?

You can use alternatives like "a shared objective", "a mutual goal", or "a unified purpose" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a common cause" or "the common cause"?

Both are correct, but "a common cause" typically refers to a specific instance of shared purpose, while "the common cause" suggests a more general or universally shared goal. The choice depends on the context.

How does "a common cause" differ from "a common interest"?

"A common cause" implies a shared reason for action or unity, often involving effort or struggle. "A common interest" suggests a shared benefit or concern that may not necessarily require collaborative action. The term "common interest" is more passive.