cause for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause for" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to explain the reason for something. For example: "There is cause for alarm as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A cause for tears?

Independent

The cause for delay?

Independent

Hardly cause for celebration.

Independent

— probable cause for an arrest.

The New Yorker

Individualism is cause for mortification.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a cause for optimism".

The New York Times

There is cause for pause.

The New York Times - Tech

There's another cause for concern.

The New York Times

ReprintsSo no cause for alarm?

The Economist

No cause for alarm, then.

The Economist

It was cause for hope.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause for" to clearly and directly state the reason or justification for a particular emotion, action, or situation. Ensure the context supports the level of formality and seriousness implied by the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "cause for" in trivial situations. The phrase often implies a significant or noteworthy reason, so using it lightly can diminish its impact and seem inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for" primarily functions as a noun phrase, indicating a reason or justification for a particular feeling, action, or situation. It often introduces a statement about why something is happening or why someone feels a certain way. Ludwig examples illustrate its role in expressing alarm, celebration, or concern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a reason or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to explain situations, feelings, or actions. While versatile, it is most appropriate in neutral to formal contexts. Alternatives such as "reason for" or "justification for" can be used depending on the specific nuance. When writing, ensure the phrase aligns with the overall tone and the significance of the situation being described, avoiding its use in trivial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for

Replaces "cause" with a more general term for explanation or justification.

justification for

Indicates a need to defend or explain an action or belief.

basis for

Implies a foundation or underlying principle.

grounds for

Suggests a legal or formal reason.

rationale for

Highlights a logical or reasoned explanation.

explanation for

Offers a clarification or account of something.

pretext for

Indicates a deceptive or concealed reason.

excuse for

Suggests an attempt to justify a fault or mistake.

occasion for

Highlights a specific event or circumstance that prompts something.

impetus for

Emphasizes the driving force or motivation behind something.

FAQs

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

Use "cause for" to indicate a reason or justification. For example, "The increase in sales is "cause for celebration"" or "The unexpected delay is "cause for concern"".

What's a good alternative to "cause for"?

Alternatives include "reason for", "justification for", or "basis for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "there is cause for" the same as "there is a cause for"?

"There is cause for" typically refers to a general reason or justification, while "there is a cause for" suggests a specific, identifiable cause. The former is more common when discussing abstract reasons.

When is it inappropriate to use "cause for"?

It may be inappropriate in overly casual or informal contexts, where a simpler phrasing like "reason to" might be more suitable. Also, avoid using it for insignificant or trivial matters, as it implies a certain level of importance.