cause doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause doing" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a reason for an action, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "The project failed because doing the necessary research was overlooked."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

even though everyone said not to cause doing so would lock me out of prestigious literary circles".

The Guardian - Books

Many people never do, and they are martyrs without a cause, doing things because they were told to, not because they want to, or because they are called to.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Their cause did not soon recover.

The New York Times

What higher cause did that serve?

The Washington Post

But for what cause did she her husband slay?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Of course, understanding the cause does not guarantee a cure.

Princeton University

You didn't die for any cause, did you?

The New Yorker

Unfortunately her cause doesn't lend itself to beautiful filmmaking.

The New York Times - Arts

Every life has equal value, but every cause does not.

The New Yorker

His commitment to the arthouse cause doesn't end there.

Independent

Yet the cause does not have majority support among Australians.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "cause doing" in formal writing. Opt for more grammatically correct alternatives such as "reason for doing" or "cause of doing" to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Do not use "cause" followed directly by a gerund. "Cause" typically requires a preposition (e.g., "cause of," "cause for") to connect it to the action. Using "cause doing" can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause doing" functions as an attempt to express causality, linking a cause to an action. However, as pointed out by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect and requires restructuring to convey the intended meaning effectively.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause doing" is considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI clearly indicates this with its analysis. While the intent is often to express causality, alternative phrases such as "reason for doing" or "cause of doing" offer clearer and more grammatically sound options. As supported by Ludwig's examples, while the phrase does appear in sources like The Guardian and Forbes, its use should be avoided in formal writing to maintain clarity and professionalism. Overall, opting for grammatically correct alternatives will enhance the quality and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reason to do

Offers a very common way to convey causality.

cause of doing

Directly indicates what led to the action.

reason for doing

Emphasizes the justification or explanation behind an action.

motivation for doing

Stresses the driving force or incentive behind the action.

rationale for doing

Provides a logical explanation for the action.

purpose in doing

Highlights the intention or goal behind the action.

justification for doing

Presents a rationale or defense for the action.

the incentive to do

Focuses on the motivational aspect for the action.

basis for doing

Focuses on the underlying principle or foundation for the action.

the impetus to do

Refers to the driving force behind an action.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "cause doing" in a sentence?

Replace "cause doing" with phrases like "reason for doing", "cause of doing", or "purpose in doing" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Is "cause doing" grammatically correct?

No, "cause doing" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use alternative phrases that clearly indicate the relationship between a cause and an action.

What's the difference between "cause of doing" and "reason for doing"?

"Cause of doing" refers to the specific event or circumstance that led to an action, while "reason for doing" refers to the explanation or justification behind that action. They both express causality but from slightly different perspectives.

When is it appropriate to use "cause doing"?

It is generally not appropriate to use "cause doing" in formal or academic writing. It is considered grammatically incorrect. Use alternative phrases like "reason for doing" for better clarity and correctness.