a noble cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"a noble cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that is charitable, kind, or just and selfless. For example, you can say "He was a true champion of a noble cause".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A noble cause indeed.

The Economist

"This was a noble cause.

The New York Times

It is a noble cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

In itself, this is a noble cause.

Harvard Business Review

It's not necessarily a noble cause.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not because it is a noble cause.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He died fighting for a noble cause.

The Guardian

That is not a war, it is a noble cause.

Independent

"I was working on a noble cause," he later explained.

The New Yorker

That, Swan acknowledged, was in itself a noble cause.

The Guardian

"But I really do think this is a noble cause".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before using "a noble cause", ensure the context aligns with widely accepted virtues like justice, equality, or compassion. Overusing the phrase for trivial matters can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid applying "a noble cause" to everyday tasks or minor issues. This can dilute the phrase's significance and make your writing seem insincere or exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a noble cause" functions as a noun phrase, where "noble" serves as an adjective modifying the noun "cause". It typically acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition, as seen in the Ludwig examples. It describes the nature or quality of the cause itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a noble cause" is a commonly used phrase that describes a virtuous and selfless endeavor, as affirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and used across various contexts, especially in news, media, academia, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's best used to elevate meaningful actions and should be avoided in trivial contexts. Alternatives such as "a worthy endeavor" or "an altruistic mission" can provide nuance depending on the intended message. The examples provided by Ludwig underscore the phrase's positive connotations and its ability to inspire respect and admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worthy endeavor

Focuses on the effort and commitment involved in achieving something valuable, slightly emphasizing the action.

a commendable undertaking

Highlights the praiseworthy nature of the task, drawing attention to its positive qualities and moral approval.

an altruistic mission

Emphasizes the selfless intent and dedication towards helping others, giving it a more directional and purposeful feel.

a selfless pursuit

Underscores the act of putting others before oneself, adding an element of personal sacrifice.

a philanthropic effort

Directly connects to charitable giving and goodwill, stressing the impact of the pursuit on society.

a humanitarian aim

Specifically targets goals that better humanity, highlighting the global and societal benefits.

a virtuous ambition

Links to moral excellence and righteousness, adding a layer of ethical intention and higher-mindedness.

a principled objective

Emphasizes the foundation of the cause in strongly held beliefs and values, underlining integrity.

a benevolent enterprise

Stresses the act of doing good and spreading kindness, highlighting its positive impact on beneficiaries.

a magnanimous gesture

Focuses on the act of generosity and overlooking grievances, highlighting a display of great character.

FAQs

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

You can use "a noble cause" to describe an action or belief that is virtuous and aims to benefit others. For instance, "Volunteering at the homeless shelter is "a noble cause"".

What are some alternatives to "a noble cause"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "a worthy cause", "a commendable undertaking", or "an altruistic mission".

Is it appropriate to use "a noble cause" in formal writing?

Yes, "a noble cause" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing philanthropy, humanitarian efforts, or ethical endeavors. Its use conveys respect and admiration for the subject.

What distinguishes "a noble cause" from "a good deed"?

"A noble cause" typically refers to a sustained effort or movement aimed at achieving a significant, often societal, benefit. A "good deed", by contrast, is usually a single, smaller act of kindness. Helping to clean up a park may be a good deed; organizing a city-wide recycling program can be "a noble cause".