a great cause

USAGE SUMMARY

'a great cause' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is very worthwhile or important, such as a charity or a campaign. For example, "He was passionate about helping others and devoted much of his time to a great cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What makes a great cause campaign?

Harvard Business Review

Politics is a great cause and an honourable calling.

Independent

"It was super fun and for a great cause.

Independent

Once again we are joined together in a great cause.

The New York Times

But here is a great cause waiting for its champions.

The Guardian

"A terrible name for a great cause," she says.

The New York Times

But enlisting others in a great cause tops it.

Harvard Business Review

"Right away, it's a great cause". She went.

The New York Times - Magazine

Housing should be a great cause for our time.

The Guardian

"I still think it was a great cause, the emancipation of humanity.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's a great cause.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a great cause" to connect with your audience by highlighting the positive impact of supporting a particular initiative. This fosters emotional engagement and encourages action.

Common error

Avoid using "a great cause" as a generic statement. Always specify what makes the cause great and why it deserves support. Lack of detail weakens the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great cause" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies a specific reason or goal considered exceptionally worthwhile. As seen in Ludwig's examples, the phrase often follows verbs like "is", "support", or "donate to", highlighting its role in describing something deserving of attention and effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a great cause" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes a worthwhile endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in various contexts. With a neutral register, it is suitable for both formal and informal settings, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in news media, formal business communications, and general writing. While interchangeable with similar phrases like "a worthy cause" or "a noble endeavor", it's essential to use the phrase specifically and provide clear context to maximize its persuasive impact. By understanding its function, purpose, and typical usage patterns, you can effectively employ "a great cause" to advocate for initiatives you believe in.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worthy cause

Emphasizes the merit and deserving nature of the cause.

a noble endeavor

Highlights the admirable and selfless nature of the undertaking.

a significant charity

Specifically points to a charitable organization of importance.

a meaningful project

Focuses on the purposefulness and impact of the activity.

a beneficial initiative

Highlights the positive outcomes and proactive nature of the effort.

a valuable undertaking

Emphasizes the worth and importance of the project.

an important campaign

Refers to a specific organized effort to achieve a goal.

a positive movement

Suggests a broader, societal shift towards a particular aim.

a helpful organization

Specifically points to an organization that provides assistance.

a supportive mission

Highlights the act of providing help and encouragement toward a specific goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great cause" to describe a charity, movement, or initiative that is particularly worthy of support. For example, "Volunteering at the local soup kitchen is supporting "a great cause"".

What are some alternatives to "a great cause"?

Some alternatives include "a worthy cause", "a noble endeavor", or "a meaningful project". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a great cause" or "an important cause"?

Both are correct, but "a great cause" implies more admiration or enthusiasm, while "an important cause" emphasizes the significance or urgency of the issue. Choose the one that best reflects your intended meaning.

Can "a great cause" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a great cause" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in formal contexts, ensure you provide specific details and evidence to support your claim about the cause's greatness.