cause for encouragement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause for encouragement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing reasons or factors that provide hope or positivity in a situation. Example: "Despite the challenges we faced, there was a cause for encouragement in the team's resilience and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

If it continues to be the case, there's more cause for encouragement than concern.

Independent

The expulsion order has prompted protests from the IAPA.Yet friends of media freedom see some cause for encouragement even so.

The Economist

The future editor of Grove's Dictionary wrote: "There is cause for encouragement when a young man of 20 can write with such evident conviction and quite considerable skill".

The Guardian - Music

South African victories would give England cause for encouragement, whereas Australian wins would emphasise how wide the gulf still is between cricket's oldest enemies.

Independent

His 14 hits and 29 total bases are among the most in exhibition baseball this March, and he is one of a number of young Mets who have excelled in spring training and given the team, and its fans, some genuine cause for encouragement.

The New York Times - Sports

Soderling, who has won 10 career titles since his ATP tour debut in 2001, revealed the view of medical experts has given him cause for encouragement.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Porto represent a real test of his side's European credentials but meetings with FC Copenhagen and, first up, Club Brugge offer cause for genuine encouragement.

The Guardian - Sport

Reason for encouragement, however, arrived from elsewhere.

The Guardian

Recent developments are cause for both real encouragement and serious concern.

The New York Times

This low prevalence of regular leisure time exercise has been a cause for concern in many countries, and encouragement of a more active lifestyle is an important component of international public health recommendations [65].

Plosone

For encouragement, he can look to history.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause for encouragement", ensure the context clearly identifies what is providing the encouragement. Be specific about the reasons behind the positive outlook.

Common error

Avoid using "cause for encouragement" when the situation only offers a slight or uncertain chance of improvement. Reserve it for situations where there's a genuinely positive indicator.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for encouragement" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific reason or factor that induces a feeling of hope or optimism. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause for encouragement" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that serves to highlight reasons for optimism. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across a spectrum of sources, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While it's suitable for both formal and informal communication, awareness of potentially overstating the encouragement is crucial. Alternative phrases like "reason for optimism" and "source of hope" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for optimism

Replaces "cause" with "reason", emphasizing the logical basis for a positive outlook.

grounds for optimism

Substitutes "cause" with "grounds", highlighting the foundation or justification for hope.

an encouraging sign

Adopts a slightly more active description of the "sign" itself, saying it is what encourages.

source of hope

Shifts from a reason to a "source", emphasizing where the positive feeling originates.

reason for hope

Replaces "encouragement" with "hope", focusing on the feeling of optimism rather than the action of encouraging.

an uplifting indication

This phrase is very similar, it exchanges "cause" with "indication", which is less literal and emphasizes the general direction of things.

a positive sign

Offers a less intense, more general expression of something favorable occurring.

something to look forward to

Focuses on anticipating a positive future outcome rather than a current reason for encouragement.

a promising development

Highlights progress or advancements that suggest a positive future.

positive outlook

This phrase shifts the focus from external events to an internal perspective or attitude of optimism.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause for encouragement" to point out something specific that is encouraging. For example: "The team's improved performance provides a "cause for encouragement"."

What can I say instead of "cause for encouragement"?

You can use alternatives like "reason for optimism", "grounds for encouragement", or "source of hope" depending on the context.

Is "cause for encouragement" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "cause for encouragement" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in formal writing or speech.

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

The phrases "cause for encouragement" and "reason for encouragement" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Cause" tends to imply a direct factor leading to encouragement, while "reason" can be slightly broader, encompassing any justification for a positive outlook.