advancing a cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "advancing a cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to promote or support a particular issue, movement, or belief. Example: "The organization is dedicated to advancing a cause that focuses on environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

You could call Mr. Cozza and Mr. Rice the righteous heterosexuals, advancing a cause that isn't necessarily theirs because they think it's the right thing to do.

The New York Times - Arts

But licensing experts said advancing a cause could be an important competitive advantage and give consumers a reason to buy one product over another.

The New York Times

Perhaps even more than his collaborators, he was a rebel advancing a cause: a new, jarring, adult kind of Broadway musical.

The New York Times - Magazine

His words were the opposite of who Mollie was, advancing a "cause she vehemently opposed," as her father, Rob Tibbetts, who's separated from Laura, wrote in a newspaper column soon after her funeral.

The Washington Post

Many blogs are explicitly partisan, advancing a cause or particular point of view.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The problem was that Xu was advancing a cause, rule of law, that Chinese authorities have long avowed in writing but deliberately thwarted in practice.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Bigelow, like Stone and Sheridan, feels justified in using possible inaccuracy to advance a cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

You may lose but in the process you advance a cause in the eyes of history".

The New York Times

I frankly can't recall a situation where he used any of his political capital to advance a cause".

The New York Times - Magazine

It is true that some elements are familiar: there are young men who want to blow things up to advance a cause.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The judge said Mair would have to serve a whole-life sentence due to the "exceptional seriousness" of the offence: a murder committed to advance a cause associated with Nazism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "advancing a cause" to describe proactive efforts to improve or promote something. Avoid using it for simply maintaining the status quo.

Common error

Avoid vague wording by specifying who is "advancing a cause" and how they are doing it. Instead of "Advancing a cause is essential", try "Volunteers are advancing a cause by raising awareness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "advancing a cause" functions as a gerund phrase functioning as a noun phrase. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an ongoing action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "advancing a cause" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe active efforts to promote a belief, initiative, or movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, indicating its relevance across various domains. While related phrases like "promoting a belief" or "championing a movement" offer similar meanings, "advancing a cause" specifically emphasizes the act of making progress. To use it effectively, ensure the cause is well-defined and the actions contributing to its advancement are clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supporting a principle

Highlights the act of upholding and defending a core value or principle.

promoting a belief

Focuses on actively advocating for a particular belief system.

championing a movement

Suggests leading or strongly supporting a social or political movement.

upholding a tenet

Highlights the act of maintaining and adhering to a fundamental principle or doctrine.

furthering an agenda

Implies a more strategic and potentially self-serving approach to achieving goals.

fostering an ideology

Implies nurturing and promoting a particular set of ideas or beliefs.

pushing an initiative

Emphasizes the active effort to get a new project or plan accepted and implemented.

defending a conviction

Focuses on protecting and arguing for a deeply held personal belief.

bolstering a campaign

Implies strengthening and reinforcing an existing campaign or effort.

cultivating a sentiment

Suggests a gradual and deliberate effort to develop a particular feeling or attitude.

FAQs

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

You can use "advancing a cause" to describe efforts to promote or support a particular issue, movement, or belief. For example, "The organization is dedicated to "advancing a cause" that focuses on environmental sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "advancing a cause"?

Some alternatives to "advancing a cause" include "promoting a belief", "furthering an agenda", or "championing a movement", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "advancing a cause" or "advance a cause"?

"Advancing a cause" is a gerund phrase that can function as a noun, while "advance a cause" is an infinitive phrase. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence. For example, "Advancing a cause is important" vs. "We must advance a cause".

What's the difference between "advancing a cause" and "supporting a cause"?

"Advancing a cause" implies actively promoting and progressing a cause, while "supporting a cause" suggests providing assistance or endorsement. Advancing is more proactive than simply supporting.