a legitimate cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a legitimate cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a reason or justification that is valid or acceptable, often in discussions about ethics, law, or social issues. Example: "The organization was founded to support a legitimate cause, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

And that's a legitimate cause for grief, I think.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I think it is a legitimate cause for concern".

The New York Times

Water experts concur, but say Pakistan does have a legitimate cause for concern.

The New York Times

There's always somebody who has a legitimate cause in their mind to be angry with me".

The New York Times

When most are also paying the minimum wage, it is a legitimate cause for concern.

The Guardian

Was defeating Germany and Japan in World War II a legitimate cause?

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Holiday traffic jams are a more legitimate cause of my Christmas parade malaise.

Los Angeles Times

If Ashley Judd decided she wanted to sue her Internet trolls, more power to her -- as well as any other celebrity or person that can afford to sue a cyberbully with legitimate cause.

Huffington Post

However, males were more likely to distinguish between pain types regardless of organic cause, only discussing "real" pain (that with a legitimate social cause, as opposed to a legitimate organic cause) and remaining quiet about pain resulting from mishap or clumsiness.

BMC Pediatrics

But Tuesday, Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency said in a commentary that it had legitimate cause to develop a nuclear weapons program.

Los Angeles Times

By establishing a private, civil right of action, the law tries to provide "an officially sanctioned and legitimate cause of action for seeking redress for injuries resulting from gender-motivated violence," regardless of sex or sexual orientation, the text says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a legitimate cause", ensure the context provides sufficient information to understand why the cause is considered legitimate. State the values or principles upon which the legitimacy is based to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "a legitimate cause" without providing supporting evidence or rationale. Unsupported claims of legitimacy can weaken your argument and reduce credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a legitimate cause" functions as a noun phrase, where "legitimate" modifies the noun "cause". As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound. The phrase typically serves to identify and characterize a reason, objective, or movement that is considered valid, justified, or ethically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a legitimate cause" is a commonly used phrase to describe a valid, justifiable, or ethically sound reason or goal. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable in various contexts. Its usage is particularly frequent in news and media and science, with a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide context and supporting evidence to substantiate the claim of legitimacy. Alternatives such as "a valid reason" or "a justifiable motive" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valid reason

Focuses on the reason being sound and justifiable.

a justifiable motive

Emphasizes the motivation behind an action being defensible.

a warranted basis

Highlights that there is a sufficient foundation or justification.

a sound rationale

Stresses the logical and coherent nature of the reasoning.

a defensible position

Suggests the action or stance can be effectively argued for.

a righteous endeavor

Adds a moral dimension, implying the cause is ethically upright.

a principled stand

Highlights the adherence to ethical principles.

a worthy pursuit

Emphasizes the value and merit of the cause.

a bona fide concern

Focuses on the genuineness and sincerity of the concern.

a substantial grievance

Indicates a significant complaint or injustice is present.

FAQs

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

You can use "a legitimate cause" to describe a reason or goal that is valid, justified, or ethically sound. For example: "Supporting human rights is "a legitimate cause"." or "The protest was organized around "a legitimate cause"".

What are some alternatives to "a legitimate cause"?

Alternatives include "a valid reason", "a justifiable motive", or "a sound rationale". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it always clear what constitutes "a legitimate cause"?

No, what is considered "a legitimate cause" can be subjective and depend on individual values, cultural norms, and legal frameworks. It often requires careful consideration and justification to establish its legitimacy in a particular context.

How does "a legitimate cause" differ from just "a cause"?

"A cause" simply refers to a goal or aim, while "a legitimate cause" implies that the goal is justifiable, ethically sound, or legally permissible. The addition of "legitimate" adds a layer of validation or approval.