cause for argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause for argument" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in situations where two people are arguing over a particular issue or point. For example, "The high cost of healthcare is a cause for argument among many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The absence of Colin Milburn (Northants) and the inclusion of John Murray, Middlesex's wicket keeper, and Keith Fletcher of Essex, would normally be cause for argument in cricketing quarters.

The Guardian

There are always ways around the bride's choice, such as different, more flattering shades of the hue she wants and slight style changes that flatter your figure better and none of these things should be cause for argument with the bride.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Proponents argue that doing away with peremptories altogether will eliminate the perceived and real injustice of permitting lawyers to eliminate jurors dispositionally unfavorable to them without a challenge for cause argument in open court.

Wikipedia

But Judge Martini gave Mr. James some cause for relief after hearing arguments on issues related to his sentencing, set for Tuesday.

The New York Times

While insurance companies won't necessarily reject coverage based upon an employee's poor health or risk factors, such as obesity or smoking, they'll certainly elevate the premiums if there is cause for health concern a money saving argument for fit and trim executives if ever there was one.

Forbes

However, the specifics of sex... well, that's been the cause for much hand wringing, consternation, argument and I believe World War I, which began as the result of a disagreement in price between Arch Duke Ferdinand and an ill-tempered French courtesan.

Huffington Post

Arguments like the first cause argument for God's existence claim to be demonstrations; their exponents believe that anyone who commits himself to the truth of the premises stands logically committed to the truth of the conclusions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All well and good, but in these arguments we find cause for caution.

The Guardian - Opinion

They say the recent rejection of a patent application by Novartis for a cancer drug, Gleevac, on the grounds of similar legal arguments, gave some cause for optimism.

The New York Times

What's important is that Christie's statement (you might even call it gaffe) represents the latest strategy for the vaccine skeptics: They're trying to win apologists for their cause, not an argument on the efficacy of vaccines.

Los Angeles Times

"If anything, it might cause some argument.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause for argument", ensure the context clearly indicates what is likely to lead to disagreement. Provide specific details to make the statement more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "cause for argument" in overly broad statements without specifying the parties or issues involved. For example, instead of saying "Politics is a cause for argument", specify: "Political debates about healthcare reform are a cause for argument within families".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for argument" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a reason or situation that is likely to lead to a disagreement or dispute. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of the phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause for argument" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates a situation or issue likely to lead to disagreement. According to Ludwig, this phrase, though not very common, can be found in diverse contexts, including news articles and wikis. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and has a neutral register. To enhance clarity, provide specific details about the involved parties and the issues at hand. Common errors include overgeneralizations. Alternatives such as "reason for dispute" or "matter of contention" may be used depending on the context. Be mindful to provide context to avoid ambiguity and to enhance overall clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for dispute

Focuses on the 'reason' behind a disagreement, rather than the potential for argument itself.

matter of contention

Highlights that the issue is already a point of disagreement.

bone of contention

An idiomatic expression emphasizing a long-standing disagreement.

subject of debate

Emphasizes a more formal or structured discussion.

point of disagreement

Directly states that there is a lack of agreement on something.

area of conflict

Suggests a more intense or serious disagreement.

source of friction

Implies a more subtle or underlying tension.

grounds for quarrel

Emphasizes the justification or basis for a dispute.

topic of controversy

Highlights the divisive nature of the subject.

issue in dispute

Similar to 'matter of contention' but slightly less formal.

FAQs

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

Use "cause for argument" to indicate a situation, topic, or issue that is likely to lead to disagreement or debate. For example, "The new company policy became a major cause for argument among employees".

What are some alternatives to "cause for argument"?

Alternatives include "reason for dispute", "matter of contention", or "point of disagreement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes something a "cause for argument"?

A "cause for argument" arises when there are conflicting opinions, values, or interests regarding a particular issue, making disagreement and debate likely. A "subject of debate" typically involves a more formal, structured discussion, while a "source of friction" suggests underlying tension.

Is it better to avoid things that are a "cause for argument"?

Not necessarily. While avoiding unnecessary conflict is wise, addressing issues that are a "cause for argument" can lead to resolution and understanding. It depends on the specific context and the willingness of those involved to engage constructively.