a worthy cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"a worthy cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something which is worth your time, money, or effort. For example, you can say, "I'm volunteering my time to help a worthy cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A worthy cause indeed.

Independent

"It's a worthy cause.

The New York Times

Who spend themselves in a worthy cause".

The Guardian

What's more, it aids a worthy cause.

The New York Times - Arts

"This is such a worthy cause.

The New York Times

Who spends himself in a worthy cause.

The Guardian

Do you think it's a worthy cause?

The Guardian - Arts

Not everyone deems the group's mission a worthy cause.

The New York Times

All in all, a splendid advertisement for a worthy cause.

The Economist

It's like being named a chairman of a worthy cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

A worthy cause and no mistake, Dave It is, yeah.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a worthy cause" to introduce initiatives or projects that aim to address significant social, environmental, or humanitarian issues, highlighting their potential for positive change.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the phrase "a worthy cause" without providing concrete evidence or specific examples to support your claim. Vague appeals can weaken your argument and fail to resonate with your audience, so always substantiate why the cause is deserving of attention and resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worthy cause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing endeavors deserving support and recognition, often within the context of charitable activities or ethical actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a worthy cause" is a common phrase used to describe an action, organization, or initiative that deserves support due to its moral or social value. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news media, academic writing, and business communications. While it is often used in neutral contexts, it carries a positive connotation, and should be used with supporting evidence to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "a meaningful endeavor" or "a noble pursuit", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meaningful endeavor

Emphasizes the significance and impact of the undertaking.

a valuable undertaking

Highlights the worth and benefit derived from the activity.

a commendable effort

Focuses on the praiseworthy nature of the exertion.

a significant mission

Underscores the importance and purpose of the task.

a noble pursuit

Elevates the activity to a high moral level.

a charitable activity

Specifically emphasizes philanthropic or altruistic nature.

a philanthropic venture

Highlights giving and generosity toward mankind.

a beneficial project

Focuses on the advantages and positive outcomes of the project.

a constructive initiative

Highlights the positive building and development aspects of the initiative.

a righteous undertaking

Emphasizes moral justification and ethical considerations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a worthy cause" to describe an action, organization, or initiative that deserves support and attention. For example, "Volunteering at the local soup kitchen is supporting "a worthy cause"".

What are some alternatives to "a worthy cause"?

Alternatives include "a meaningful endeavor", "a noble pursuit", or "a valuable undertaking". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "a worthy cause"?

While generally positive, describing something as "a worthy cause" implies a judgment. Ensure there is sufficient evidence or justification for this assessment to avoid alienating or misleading your audience. Consider whether "a suitable cause" is a more fitting alternative.

How do I determine if an organization truly represents "a worthy cause"?

Research the organization's mission, track record, and financial transparency. Look for independent evaluations and testimonials to verify its effectiveness and ethical practices. If something doesn't align with the intentions of "a noble pursuit", proceed with caution.