cause for reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause for reflection" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something has given you a reason to pause and think deeply about it. Example: The speaker's words were a cause for reflection, making the audience contemplate their own beliefs and values.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Yet he too has cause for reflection.

The Economist

Still, locally it's cause for reflection.

The New York Times

His comments should be cause for reflection at least.

The Guardian - Sport

I'd have thought that instance alone would have given Kroto and his kind cause for reflection.

The Guardian

Americans have special cause for reflection, celebration and gratitude this Veterans Day.

The Guardian - Opinion

A passing demographer, faced with a crowd lining up to watch "Superman Returns," will find much cause for reflection.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

On the other hand, the study design is also a strength of the survey: the overall number of subjects, the diversity of the structures involved (LHUs with hospitals and other services, a University Teaching Hospital, the Faculty of Medicine including many graduation courses), the large number of aspects investigated and the level of statistical analysis provide many causes for reflection.

Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics

But that ratings gap is no longer cause for deep reflection within CNN's headquarters in Atlanta.

The New York Times

But what's good is really good, and the very existence of a show about identity politics, out of mainstream fashion in 2007, is cause for serious reflection.

The New York Times - Arts

"Turning 50 is a cause for sombre reflection, not celebration," opined Norris and, as a flurry of firemen attempted to free her empurpled cranium, shame descended once more.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The family circumstances that led to the discovery this year of the photograph have also presented the chancellor with cause for ethical reflection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause for reflection" when you want to highlight that a specific event, statement, or situation warrants careful and deep consideration. It's especially useful when you want to encourage thoughtful analysis rather than immediate action.

Common error

Avoid using "cause for reflection" in overly casual conversations. While grammatically correct, its somewhat formal tone may sound out of place in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for reflection" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying something that warrants careful thought and consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause for reflection" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that indicates something warrants careful thought and consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news, media, science, and business. While alternatives like "reason for contemplation" and "matter for consideration" exist, "cause for reflection" maintains a specific nuance of seriousness and intentionality. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for contemplation

Replaces "cause" with "reason" and "reflection" with "contemplation", emphasizing a more internal and thoughtful consideration.

matter for consideration

Substitutes "cause" with "matter" and "reflection" with "consideration", focusing on the element that warrants careful thought.

subject for deliberation

Replaces "cause" with "subject" and "reflection" with "deliberation", highlighting the need for careful and thorough discussion.

point for introspection

Changes "cause" to "point" and "reflection" to "introspection", suggesting a deeper, more personal examination.

occasion for thoughtfulness

Replaces "cause" with "occasion" and "reflection" with "thoughtfulness", emphasizing the opportunity for careful and considerate thinking.

prompt for deeper thought

Replaces the entire phrase with a more direct and active construction, highlighting the instigation of profound thinking.

stimulus for contemplation

Uses "stimulus" to replace "cause" to emphasize the role of something that initiates contemplation and thoughtful examination.

impetus for consideration

Similar to "stimulus", but "impetus" suggests a driving force that causes something to be considered.

catalyst for introspection

This alternative presents the phrase with the nuance of something starting or speeding up the process of introspection.

food for thought

An idiomatic expression conveying something that warrants careful reflection and consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause for reflection" to indicate that something warrants careful thought and consideration. For example: "The speaker's remarks about inequality were a "cause for reflection" for many in the audience".

What are some alternatives to "cause for reflection"?

Some alternatives include "reason for contemplation", "matter for consideration", or "subject for deliberation" depending on the specific context.

Is "cause for reflection" formal or informal?

"Cause for reflection" leans towards the formal side. While appropriate in news articles, academic papers, or business reports, it might sound out of place in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "cause for reflection" and "food for thought"?

"Cause for reflection" indicates something that warrants serious consideration, while "food for thought" is an idiom that refers to something interesting or stimulating to think about. "Cause for reflection" is generally more serious in tone.