cause for question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause for question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something raises doubts or requires further inquiry. Example: "The sudden change in the project's timeline is a cause for question among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Calls that don't make sense put players on edge and are cause for question from coach.

HuffPost

The physiologic relevance of these models might provide some cause for question.

Brain Pathology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Page 24 DISCLOSURE FOR KENNEDY That Caroline Kennedy has not filed disclosure forms, even when she was employed by the city's Department of Education, has been a recent cause for questions.

The New York Times

"We are fully committed to the N.E.A's historic mission, and we will take all steps necessary to ensure that there is no further cause for questions or concerns about that commitment".

The New York Times

Some investigators cite the differences in antigen-presenting cells in superficial and deep tissues as a cause for doubt; this doubt leads to questions regarding the validity of cutaneous test results as they relate to periprosthetic tissue [ 7, 8, 14, 25].

BioMed Research International

Too often the political news out of New Jersey offers little cause for celebration: questions about fund-raising, an acting governor who had to resign in embarrassment, a senator who did the same.

The New York Times

This, together with evidence for Early Holocene interaction between these neighbours, gives cause for us to question some authors continued adherence to a singular narrative of the Austronesian Hypothesis and the 'Neolithisation' of this part of the world.

Journal of Archaeological Science

After having survived a number of harsh New England winters, deciding to go somewhere possibly even colder would be just cause for some to question my sanity (again).

Science Magazine

While many of the issues he points to in the short (lagging software, stale material, closed circuits that do not offer room for creativity) can and are being fixed (by John himself through novel bCanvas tools, in some cases!), John continues to find cause for concern over questions of content provision and management.

University of California, Berkeley

The military coup in Egypt was a major cause for concern, calling into question America's position towards political Islam, and democracy itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

During his Presidency, that independence has been more a cause for consternation, as the question became whether there was anyone with enough leverage to make demands of the President on behalf of African-Americans.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause for question" when you want to gently express that something is not quite right and needs further investigation or clarification. It is often used in professional or academic settings.

Common error

Avoid using "cause for question" in highly informal settings or when a stronger expression of concern or alarm is warranted. Overusing it can make your writing sound passive or indecisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for question" functions as a noun phrase that typically follows a linking verb (e.g., is, seems, appears) to describe something that prompts uncertainty or requires further inquiry. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is suitable for academic/professional writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause for question" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something warrants further investigation or raises doubts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse sources such as news outlets, scientific publications, and academic texts. It is best suited for formal contexts where a measured tone is desired, as pointed by the current analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for inquiry

This alternative replaces "cause" with "reason" and "question" with "inquiry", offering a more formal tone.

reason to wonder

This is a more informal way to express doubt or curiosity about something.

grounds for doubt

This option emphasizes the element of uncertainty or disbelief, shifting the focus from questioning to doubting.

basis for skepticism

This suggests that there are valid reasons to be doubtful or unconvinced.

matter for investigation

This suggests a formal or official inquiry is warranted, implying a more serious context.

warrant for examination

Similar to 'matter for investigation', but slightly more formal and emphatic.

justification for scrutiny

This highlights the need for close examination, especially in situations where something seems amiss.

invitation to inquire

This presents the situation as an opportunity or encouragement to ask questions and investigate.

prompt for consideration

This phrase frames the issue as something that should be carefully thought about, implying deliberation.

stimulus for reflection

This presents it as something that promotes thinking deeply about the topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause for question" to indicate that something raises doubts or needs further investigation. For example, "The project's budget overrun is a "cause for question" among the stakeholders".

What's the difference between "cause for concern" and "cause for question"?

"Cause for concern" implies worry or unease, while "cause for question" suggests a need for clarification or investigation. "Cause for concern" indicates potential problems, whereas "cause for question" simply means something is unclear or doubtful.

What are some alternatives to "cause for question"?

Alternatives include "reason for inquiry", "grounds for doubt", or "matter for investigation", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "cause for question" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "cause for question" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts where a measured and thoughtful tone is preferred. It suggests a need for further inquiry without expressing alarm.