a worthwhile cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worthwhile cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a project, initiative, or organization that has significant value or benefits, often in a charitable or social context. Example: "Many people donated to the charity because they believed it was a worthwhile cause that would help those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

It's certainly a worthwhile cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, the new money does go to a worthwhile cause.

The Guardian

One of the best ways to lift your spirits is volunteering for a worthwhile cause.

Harvard University

Donating money to a worthwhile cause is another way of soothing public outrage.

The New York Times

And she said she believed that her son had died in a worthwhile cause.

The New York Times

That is a worthwhile cause; state governments need revenues, now especially.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Joining us by Skype from Washington DC, Orth explains the benefits of One Laptop Per Child, responds to Valley-based critics of the program …and appeals for the Robert Scobles of the world to donate just a few of their many laptops to a thoughly worthwhile cause.

TechCrunch

You can work some of the most fun puzzles around while helping to raise money for a very worthwhile cause.

The New York Times

If this signals the end of the Territorial soldier it will leave a very bitter taste for me and many others, who have devoted years to what we believe to be a truly worthwhile cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

Said Oxygen Accelerator founder Mark Hales, "This Hackathon is about inspiring the young designers and developers of the future, while raising money for a hugely worthwhile cause.

TechCrunch

He is serious about making a difference and I am very proud to see him with this much focus and positive intent for such an incredibly worthwhile cause".

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more descriptive adjectives than "worthwhile" to better capture the unique attributes of the cause, for example, "a life-saving cause", "an empowering cause", or "a community-building cause".

Common error

Avoid using "a worthwhile cause" as a generic placeholder. Instead of simply stating that something is "a worthwhile cause", articulate why it is worthwhile, providing concrete reasons and specific examples. The more detail you give, the better the reader can evaluate the impact of the cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worthwhile cause" primarily functions as a noun phrase that serves as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an entity deemed valuable and deserving of support or investment. It typically follows verbs like "support", "donate to", or "volunteer for".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a worthwhile cause" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a project, organization, or initiative that is valuable and deserving of support. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its wide acceptance and frequent use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While simple and direct, using more descriptive language can strengthen the impact of the message. Consider alternatives like "a valuable cause" or "a laudable cause" to add nuance, and remember to provide specific details about why the cause is worthwhile. Avoiding vagueness and highlighting the actual impact allows for better persuasive writing, ensuring people understand the full scope of the benefits of investing their time or money.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a useful cause

Replaces "worthwhile" with "useful", focusing on the practical benefit of the cause.

a valuable cause

Replaces "worthwhile" with "valuable", emphasizing the significance and worth of the cause.

a laudable cause

Replaces "worthwhile" with "laudable", emphasizing the praiseworthy nature of the cause.

a notable cause

Substitutes "worthwhile" with "notable", highlighting the cause's importance or recognition.

a commendable cause

Substitutes "worthwhile" with "commendable", highlighting the admirable qualities of the cause.

a rewarding cause

Changes "worthwhile" to "rewarding", focusing on the satisfaction or positive outcomes from supporting the cause.

a valid cause

Substitutes "worthwhile" with "valid", highlighting the legitimacy and justification of the cause.

a suitable cause

Replaces "worthwhile" with "suitable", indicating the cause is appropriate or fitting for support.

a worthwhile endeavor

Changes "cause" to "endeavor", framing the cause as a project or undertaking.

a worthwhile reason

Changes "cause" to "reason", shifting the focus to the justification for an action or belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "a worthwhile cause" to describe a project, initiative, or organization that deserves support due to its positive impact. For example, "Donating to the local food bank is supporting "a worthwhile cause"".

What can I say instead of "a worthwhile cause"?

You can use alternatives like "a valuable cause", "a notable cause", or "a laudable cause" depending on the context.

What makes a cause "worthwhile"?

A cause is considered "worthwhile" when it addresses a significant need, produces positive outcomes, and benefits individuals or communities in a meaningful way. The positive impact justifies the resources invested.

Is there a difference between "a worthwhile cause" and "a worthy cause"?

While "worthwhile" and "worthy" are similar, "worthwhile" emphasizes the benefits and positive results achieved, while "worthy" focuses more on deservingness or moral merit. Using "a worthy cause" highlights that the cause is deserving of support.