No, the phrase "cause a distraction" is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.
It is typically used when describing something that diverts one's attention or disrupts a situation. Example: The loud noise outside caused a distraction during the meeting.
A bright light can cause a distraction during crucial parts of a flight.
I don't think there'll be any distraction involving Brian: certainly, he won't be looking to cause a distraction".
"It's clear if you put too many things on a page you're going to cause a distraction.
There was also no indication why the decision was made now, five days before the regular-season opener, when it would seem likely to cause a distraction for players and coaches.
The 10 students who comprise the board of directors for the group, which has renamed itself Nittanyville Coordination Committee, felt that keeping Joe Paterno's name attached would cause a distraction in the wake of the scandal that has engulfed the university since the November arrest of the former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky on child sex abuse charges.
"Once it's crystal clear there is going to be that kind of show on air it becomes a question of whether you have your voice in it or not, on balance and in some ways with a bit of a heavy heart because I knew it would cause a distraction to the current colleagues, I thought it was better to have my voice in it than not, but it was a very difficult judgment".
The second thief waits for the victim to send a laptop through the X-ray machine, then causes a distraction while passing through the metal detector.
"Carneal said that the plan was that he would start shooting, causing a distraction," a police report said, "so that the other boys could pick up their guns and go to their points".
You respond by (a) Paying for everything: "My treat" (b) Offering to split the bill: "Dutch treat" (c) Asking if he has any financial problems you should know about (d) Causing a distraction and running out before the bill arrives.
The ugliness of Saturday — back-and-forth sniping, conflicting accounts, a stiff back that was never disclosed to team personnel — "definitely" caused a distraction in the clubhouse, said Mariano Rivera.
