a larger cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a larger cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant or overarching purpose or reason behind actions or events. Example: "Many volunteers joined the movement, driven by a larger cause that transcended individual interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The failure may also have a larger cause.

The New York Times - Arts

We sacrificed the body as an instrument of war, for a larger cause".

The New Yorker

You lead most boldly when you consider yourself an instrument of a larger cause.

The New York Times

I had a sense of solidarity for a larger cause and the desire to help others.

The New York Times

They are just God's temporary instrument in service of a larger cause.

The New York Times

Artists today, he said, lack the courage to put their careers in jeopardy for a larger cause.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

No doubt a large cause of the delays come from the reforms, costing money that local authorities do not have.

The Guardian

Demolition of that wall between savings and finance was a large cause of the 2008 meltdown.

Huffington Post

A couple of years ago, they lost a large cause marketing partner that was funding nearly a fourth of their operating budget.

Huffington Post

Diabetes Mellitus is a large cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa

Globalization and Health

Reckless drivers are known to speed past; road accidents are a largest cause of injury and death in China.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a larger cause", ensure it clearly connects to the action or decision being explained to provide context and justification.

Common error

Avoid using "a larger cause" as a vague justification. Always specify what the cause is and how it relates to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a larger cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a complement within a clause. It refers to a reason or objective that transcends personal interests, motivating actions or decisions. Examples in Ludwig show its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a larger cause" is a noun phrase that denotes a reason or objective greater than personal interests, often used to justify actions or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, followed by scientific and formal business settings. Related phrases include "a greater purpose" and "a more significant reason". When using "a larger cause", it is important to provide specific context to avoid vagueness and ensure the phrase meaningfully connects to the situation. As such, the phrase is a valuable tool for expressing altruism and dedication to shared values.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a greater cause

Emphasizes the significance or importance of the cause.

a more significant reason

Focuses on the importance and impact of the reason.

a broader purpose

Highlights the wide-ranging nature and scope of the purpose.

a higher purpose

Implies a more noble or elevated aim.

a nobler cause

Stresses the moral or ethical superiority of the cause.

a more compelling reason

Highlights how convincing and persuasive a reason may be.

a more important goal

Focuses on the priority and value of the goal.

a deeper meaning

Emphasizes the profound significance of the cause.

a unifying principle

Highlights cause uniting people

a common goal

Focuses on the shared nature and collaborative aspect of the goal.

FAQs

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

Use "a larger cause" to explain motivations behind actions or decisions, indicating a purpose beyond personal gain. For example, "They volunteered their time for "a larger cause", helping the homeless in their community".

What can I say instead of "a larger cause"?

You can use alternatives like "a greater purpose", "a more significant reason", or "a higher purpose" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a larger cause" or "a greater cause"?

Both "a larger cause" and "a greater cause" are grammatically correct, but "a greater cause" often implies a more significant or impactful purpose, while "a larger cause" simply indicates something beyond individual concerns.

When is it appropriate to invoke "a larger cause"?

It's appropriate when explaining sacrifices, dedication, or commitment to something that benefits more than just oneself. Ensure the cause is genuinely significant and justifiable.