a compelling cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a compelling cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reason or motivation that is strong and persuasive, often in the context of advocacy or social issues. Example: "The organization was founded to support a compelling cause that aims to reduce poverty in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

These explanations make free silver look like a compelling cause in comparison.

The Washington Post

Once hailed by the state media for defending peasants' rights, Mr. Chen makes for a compelling cause célèbre.

The New York Times

Jerry, a former room-ex who works as a communications consultant, understands the urge to sublimate the self for a compelling cause.

The New York Times

The new Russian-American alliance is not as whirlwind as it at first appears: Mr. Putin has shown an affinity for a Western tilt all along, some experts say, but lacked a compelling cause to which it could be hitched.

The New York Times

And so in the spirit of Mr. Lincoln, who believed that the purpose of a great party was not to defeat the other party, the purpose of a truly great party is to provide superior ideas, principled leadership, and a compelling cause.

The New York Times

As Steve McCurdy was telling me about the most recent Barth Syndrome Foundation BSFF) conference, the power of a compelling cause to make people put aside any petty jealousies and conflicts was clear.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Looking around the auditorium, you were confronted with a more compelling cause for celebration: on a Monday night, offering a program largely comprising unfamiliar works, the society had sold every available seat.

The New York Times - Arts

He makes a compelling case about the harm caused by partisan demagoguery and about the need for health care professionals to take the lead in implementing reforms.

The New York Times

The news of so many losing their homes was pressing enough that Ms. Siegel found a compelling reason to return to the cause that first captured her intellect as an undergraduate at Barnard in the late 1930s.

The New York Times

Coil embolisation of collaterals or catheter based occlusion of atrial septal defects may improve saturations, although investigation for a more compelling cause for the development of collaterals may allow more definitive intervention.

Heart

But losing an election is not an especially compelling cause for protest, particularly when Sanders' team has made it quite clear that they lost fair, square and by a relatively large margin.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a compelling cause", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the cause is persuasive or significant to the intended audience. Provide specific details or examples to strengthen its appeal.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on abstract terms when describing "a compelling cause". Instead, provide concrete examples and tangible outcomes to demonstrate its impact and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a compelling cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies something that motivates action or belief, emphasizing its persuasive nature. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase highlights a reason that is not only good but also convincing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a compelling cause" is a noun phrase used to describe a persuasive reason or motive for action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While grammatically sound, its frequency is relatively rare, appearing most often in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to provide specific details to strengthen its appeal and avoid overuse of abstract language. Consider alternatives like "a persuasive reason" or "a strong motive" to vary your writing. The phrase is generally neutral to professional in register, though it can be more formal in academic or scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A persuasive reason

Focuses on the reason being able to convince someone.

A strong motive

Emphasizes the motivational aspect of the cause.

A significant purpose

Highlights the importance and meaning behind the cause.

A worthy endeavor

Shifts the focus to the effort and value associated with the cause.

A powerful motivation

Highlights the strength and force of the motivating factor.

A vital mission

Emphasizes the crucial and essential nature of the cause.

An urgent matter

Highlights the time-sensitive and pressing nature of the cause.

A pressing concern

Focuses on the anxiety and worry associated with the cause.

A galvanizing issue

Highlights its ability to excite and inspire people to action.

A critical undertaking

Emphasizes the importance and seriousness of the endeavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "a compelling cause" to describe a reason or motive that is persuasive and inspires action. For example, "Supporting environmental conservation is "a compelling cause" for many people.".

What are some alternatives to "a compelling cause"?

Some alternatives include "a persuasive reason", "a strong motive", or "a significant purpose" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "compelling cause" or "good cause"?

"Compelling cause" suggests a more convincing and persuasive reason, while "good cause" is more general. The choice depends on how strongly you want to emphasize the persuasiveness of the cause.

What makes something "a compelling cause"?

A cause becomes "a compelling cause" when it resonates deeply with individuals, offering a clear and persuasive reason for support, often by highlighting significant impact or addressing critical needs.