a nobler cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nobler cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a purpose or mission that is considered more virtuous or honorable than others. Example: "He dedicated his life to a nobler cause, fighting for the rights of the oppressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Never was there a nobler cause.

The Guardian - Tech

Indeed, it will surely be some comfort to any military personnel bleeding out after a Helmand ambush to know that they might have sacrificed their backup to a nobler cause – like stopping people bringing off-brand water bottles anywhere near the velodrome.

The Guardian - Sport

The attack on Pearl Harbor rendered the B.S.C. redundant, but the secret work of the British spies had played a vital part in pushing America toward intervention: seldom have the dark arts of media manipulation and political spin been deployed in a nobler cause.

The New York Times - Books

Connect your company with a "nobler cause", as your raison d'etre goes way beyond the P&L, or making money, or going public.

TechCrunch

For many, lying about their age was a crime committed for a nobler cause.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 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

He died fighting for a noble cause.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with strong verbs that convey dedication and commitment, such as "devote", "dedicate", or "sacrifice", to amplify the sense of profound purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "a nobler cause" in situations that lack genuine moral significance. Overusing the phrase in everyday scenarios diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nobler cause" functions primarily as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a preposition or a direct object. It identifies a purpose or mission deemed morally superior. As per Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a nobler cause" is used to describe a purpose or mission that is considered morally superior and ethically justifiable. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and appropriate for written English. While not overly frequent, it appears in contexts where ethical considerations are central, such as news articles and opinion pieces. To enhance your writing, use this phrase when you want to emphasize the high moral ground of a particular action or belief, and ensure the context supports its significance. Remember to avoid overusing it in trivial scenarios to maintain its impact. Top sources include The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more righteous purpose

Emphasizes moral correctness and justification, shifting the focus to righteousness.

a more honorable aim

Highlights the aspect of honor and dignity in the objective.

a higher calling

Suggests a sense of destiny or moral imperative, adding a layer of profound motivation.

a worthier endeavor

Focuses on the value and merit of the undertaking, emphasizing its significance.

a grander design

Implies a larger, more ambitious objective, moving beyond individual concerns.

a loftier ambition

Stresses the elevated nature of the aspiration, highlighting its superior quality.

a morally superior objective

Explicitly indicates the moral high ground, making the ethical dimension more pronounced.

a more virtuous mission

Emphasizes moral excellence and righteousness in the endeavor.

a more elevated purpose

Focuses on raising the purpose to a higher, more refined level.

a more selfless goal

Highlights the altruistic nature of the goal, emphasizing the lack of personal gain.

FAQs

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

You can use "a nobler cause" to describe an action or belief that is morally superior or ethically justified. For example, "She dedicated her life to "a nobler cause", fighting for the rights of the oppressed."

What are some alternatives to "a nobler cause"?

You can use alternatives like "a higher calling", "a worthier endeavor", or "a more righteous purpose" depending on the context.

What makes a cause "nobler"?

A "nobler cause" is typically characterized by its alignment with ethical principles, its focus on benefiting others, and its potential to create positive change in the world. It often involves selflessness and sacrifice.

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

Yes, "a nobler cause" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing ethical, moral, or historical topics. It can add weight and significance to your arguments, provided the context supports its use.