a valid cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"a valid cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an acceptable or logical rationale for an action. For example, "John decided to take an unpaid leave of absence from his job in order to care for his ill mother; it was a valid cause for taking time off from work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It is nevertheless a valid cause for concern.

The New York Times

Rather than haggle over whether he had a valid cause for quitting or what he was entitled to, the directors chose to give Mr. Karmazin all that he would have received if Mr. Redstone had dispatched him on the spot, Viacom officials said.

The New York Times

Clinical and/or imaging evidence of neck disorder or lesion can be accepted as a valid cause of headache.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Except for the obvious disorder of the clinical, laboratory and/or imaging evidence accepted as a valid cause of headache, diagnostic blockade of its nerve is used to determinate the type of headache.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

While plaintiff lawyers may, in some cases, have a valid cause to settle in favor of their clients, they need to remember that they are to blame for insurance companies adopting a "scorched earth policy" in order to protect the rates we all pay.

Forbes

My point is that "major labels = evil" is no longer a valid cause.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But once patents are listed by the drug agency, Mr. Muris said, they can be used to delay approval of generic products, "costing consumers millions or even billions of dollars without valid cause".

The New York Times

Both the Koch brothers and environmentalists have valid cause for fearing the other.

Huffington Post

For example, establishing a precedent that China could use to attack targets in the United States - if China decided we were ideologically hostile to the Dictatorship of the Proletariat in China, for example (we are) and that constituted valid cause to attack us.

Huffington Post

The study found that very few of the preconditions were met, namely that the policy was based upon a valid theory of cause and effect and that the relationship between cause and effect is direct (27).

Global Health Action

A less challenging definition for overall appropriate handling requires that a CMP is recognised by the audit team, and an appropriate solution proposed and implemented regardless whether or not valid causes have been identified.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a valid cause", ensure that the reason or motive you are describing is genuinely justifiable and aligns with ethical or logical standards. Providing context can help to establish the validity of the cause.

Common error

Avoid using "a valid cause" to describe reasons that are merely convenient or self-serving. Ensure the cause holds up to scrutiny and is not based on personal bias.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a valid cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. It denotes something that is considered a legitimate or justifiable reason for an action or belief, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a valid cause" is a noun phrase used to describe a legitimate or justifiable reason for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Although not extremely common, it appears in both News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. To ensure effective communication, use this phrase when the reason is genuinely justifiable and supported by evidence. Alternatives like "a legitimate reason" or "a justified motive" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a legitimate reason

Focuses on the legality and acceptability of the reason.

a justified motive

Emphasizes the moral or ethical rightness of the motive.

a sound basis

Highlights the rationality and well-founded nature of the basis.

a good rationale

Emphasizes the clear and logical explanation for something.

a compelling justification

Stresses the persuasive and convincing nature of the justification.

a defensible ground

Indicates that the reason can be supported and defended.

a reasonable explanation

Suggests that the explanation is logical and understandable.

a supportable argument

Highlights that the argument can be backed up with evidence or reasoning.

an acceptable pretext

Focuses on the permissibility and agreeability of the pretext.

a plausible excuse

Emphasizes the believability and credibility of the excuse.

FAQs

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

You can use "a valid cause" to describe a reason or motive that is justifiable or legitimate. For example, "His resignation was due to "a valid cause": the company's unethical practices."

What are some alternatives to "a valid cause"?

Alternatives include "a legitimate reason", "a justified motive", or "a sound basis". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to provide evidence when claiming something is "a valid cause"?

While not always explicitly stated, providing supporting information or context strengthens the claim that something is indeed "a valid cause". Without it, the validity might be questioned.

What's the difference between "a valid cause" and "a good reason"?

"A good reason" is more general and subjective, while "a valid cause" implies a more objective and justifiable basis. "A valid cause" often suggests a more serious or significant justification than a simple "good reason".