a wider cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wider cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a broader or more significant purpose or reason behind an action or event. Example: "The charity event was organized not just for fundraising, but to support a wider cause of community development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Gold-plated HR rules should be enforced by independent authorities that are above party politics and who also understand that victims may only want to resolve a specific issue, not damage a whole party (rightly or wrongly, many victims do not want their personal suffering to damage a wider cause they still believe in).

The Guardian

All of them knew Olek's work and were extremely enthusiastic to have such an occasion to be together and to practice their passion for a wider cause.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A zero-sum game is about as helpful to the wider cause as a rhubarb shoehorn.

Vice

The fact that the same trend has occurred over a wide area of Europe and that it has occurred during the same period suggests a continent-wide cause.

Independent

But eventually the jet water will lose kinetic energy and disperse over a wider area, causing a two-fold reduction in the force it can deliver.

The Guardian

The Greek aitia has a wider sense, embracing cause, reason, explanation, and classification.

SEP

A wider opening would cause mandibular dislocation, and the angular processes to bump against neck tissues.

F1000Research

The winds brought down trees across a wide area, causing major damage, and ripped some mid-north buildings apart.

The Guardian

That blaze sent a plume of toxic smoke across a wide area, causing a health alert.

BBC

Wind speed varies randomly over a wide range, causing wind power output to fluctuate in a large magnitude.

Energy Procedia

But it has allocated cash to a wider variety of causes in Scotland.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wider cause", ensure the context clearly establishes the primary or initial cause being expanded upon. This provides a better understanding of the scope and significance of the "wider cause".

Common error

Avoid using "a wider cause" when the context lacks a specific, defined cause. Without a clear initial point of reference, the phrase can become vague and lose its impact. Instead, consider using a more precise description of the objective or principle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wider cause" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or verb. It denotes an aim or objective that is broader and more encompassing than a specific initial reason or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a wider cause" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates a more extensive and encompassing objective beyond an initial specific reason. Ludwig provides examples from news, media, and scientific contexts demonstrating its use in justifying actions with broader impacts. Though relatively rare in occurrence, as supported by Ludwig, it effectively serves to communicate an expanded focus or purpose. To enhance clarity, it's best used when the initial cause is either explicitly stated or clearly implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a greater purpose

Emphasizes the significance or importance of the objective.

a broader objective

Focuses on the extent or range of the goal.

a larger mission

Highlights the scale and importance of the undertaking.

a more encompassing goal

Stresses the comprehensive nature of the desired outcome.

a more significant reason

Underlines the weight and impact of the motivation.

a more far-reaching aim

Suggests a goal with extensive influence and consequences.

a more general principle

Highlights a fundamental rule or belief with broad application.

a more universal ideal

Focuses on a concept or standard that applies to everyone.

a more comprehensive vision

Stresses a complete and thorough perspective of future possibilities.

a higher calling

Suggests a nobler and more important purpose.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a wider cause" in a sentence?

To use "a wider cause" effectively, ensure it logically extends from a previously mentioned or implied cause. For example, "The local fundraising effort started by supporting the school, but it soon expanded to "a wider cause": improving community education as a whole".

What are some alternatives to "a wider cause"?

You can use alternatives like "a greater purpose", "a broader objective", or "a larger mission" depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state the initial cause when referring to "a wider cause"?

While not always mandatory, explicitly stating the initial cause provides clarity and context. If the initial cause is well-understood or implied, you may omit it. However, for maximum impact and clarity, it's beneficial to reference both.

What distinguishes "a wider cause" from "a common cause"?

"A wider cause" refers to a broader, more encompassing objective that extends beyond a specific initial goal. "A common cause" indicates a shared goal among multiple parties or individuals.