cause for thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause for thought" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to give something careful consideration or contemplation. It is often used to introduce an idea or topic that requires deep thinking or reflection. Example: "The artist's thought-provoking lyrics were a cause for thought for many listeners, sparking meaningful discussions about societal issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The comparison is skewed, but it gives viewers cause for thought.

The New York Times

If he survives to see this calendar year out, the blinding evidence of this shortcoming must surely give the club cause for thought.

Independent

If this gloomy thinking is more or less true, then the recent U.N. report "World Population Prospects" should give us all cause for thought.

The New York Times

The fact that Mr Gué's reasonable prices have resisted the recession better than some of the big-name labels might, nonetheless, give the industry cause for thought.

Independent

Whatever the future holds, this survey has given us cause for optimism about how organisations at a local level are pursuing safer care, and cause for thought at a national level as to how we can best support further progress.

The Guardian

I asked her, "And what is it that you most need from me if I'm elected?" She answered immediately, "You need to construct dikes to contain the river waters when it rains, so we don't die next winter". That reply gave me cause for thought about the hard reality that this woman faced every day, and the enormous responsibility that we would have if we won the elections.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Well, yes, I think it does, just as writing the sentence: "For centuries the city has been the perfect place to develop the killer app" should've at least given Hollis's editor cause for thoughts of the form: what was I put on earth for, if not to excise anachronistic drivel like this?

The Guardian - Books

Puss in Boots causes paws for thought at the US box office, while during the half term holiday in the UK, Tintin takes parents' wallets on a mighty adventure.

The Guardian - Film

Properly weighed, in time, they might have given cause for second thoughts about the wisdom of the invasion.

The New York Times

In any other medium such a question would be a cause for debate, for thought, for response essays and so on.

TechCrunch

To most people, this might cause a pause for thought.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause for thought" when you want to suggest that something warrants careful and serious consideration. It implies a need for deeper reflection rather than a superficial glance.

Common error

While "cause for thought" is a valid phrase, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "reason for consideration" or "matter for reflection".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for thought" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something that warrants careful consideration. As indicated by Ludwig, it prompts reflection, similar to examples suggesting a need for optimism or highlighting hard realities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause for thought" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon phrase used to suggest that something warrants careful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it prompts deeper reflection and is frequently found in news and media, as well as academic contexts. While effective, varying your language with alternatives such as "reason for consideration" or "matter for reflection" can enhance your writing. Remember to use the phrase when you want to convey the need for a serious and reflective approach to a topic. It's best suited for neutral registers, fitting seamlessly into well-structured discourse without leaning too informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for consideration

This alternative replaces "cause" with "reason", focusing on the justification for thinking about something.

matter for reflection

This emphasizes the reflective aspect, suggesting something worth pondering.

point to ponder

This phrase is a more concise way of saying something should be thought about.

subject for deliberation

This suggests a more formal and thorough process of thinking.

stimulus for contemplation

This highlights the idea of something acting as a trigger for deep thought.

food for the mind

A metaphorical expression suggesting intellectual nourishment and stimulation.

topic for consideration

Similar to "reason for consideration", but more general.

prompt for reflection

This emphasizes the act of prompting someone to reflect.

motivation for thought

Focuses on what drives or inspires thinking.

impetus for contemplation

This suggests something that strongly encourages contemplation.

FAQs

What does "cause for thought" mean?

The phrase "cause for thought" means something that gives you a reason to think seriously about something or to consider it carefully. It implies that the subject is worthy of reflection.

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

You can use "cause for thought" to introduce an idea, observation, or event that warrants deeper consideration. For example, "The economic downturn gave many people "cause for thought" about their financial futures."

What are some alternatives to "cause for thought"?

Alternatives to "cause for thought" include "reason for consideration", "matter for reflection", or "point to ponder". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "food for thought" similar to "cause for thought"?

Yes, "food for thought" is similar to "cause for thought". Both phrases suggest something that is worth thinking about, but "food for thought" often implies something that is interesting or stimulating to think about, while "cause for thought" often implies something more serious or concerning.