cause in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific issue or matter that is being discussed or examined. Example: "The cause in question has sparked a lot of debate among experts in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"The cause in question was to allow smaller teams to get into Formula One.

Independent

In short, the cause in question is the "true One," or God.

SEP

Causecast gets a small amount of cash for creating these partnerships and the rest goes to the cause in question.

TechCrunch

Together, consistent with the essential nature of the species and telos (or final cause) in question, the formal cause and efficient causal process act to bring a formed individual organism from potential into actual being.

SEP

So every whack of a hammer, every strike of my fingertip on the keyboard, every tug of a magnet on a piece of iron, requires not only that the created being act, but also that the creator act concurrently with the created being in order to bring about the particular effect of the cause in question.

SEP

The precise far-right cause in question often seems less important than the broader resort to inflicting harm.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

She incurred the wrath of the third sector in 2013 when she called for a cap on the amount charities spend on running costs and administration, and suggested some charity "careerists" were more interested in climbing the salary ladder than in the causes in question.

The Guardian

Her legacy will be a mixed one, but her faithful service of the Blairite cause was never in question.

The Guardian

Named after Robert Koch, a German scientist who also did the earliest studies on anthrax, in the late 1800's, Koch's postulate requires that a disease organism be isolated and then used to infect healthy individuals to show that it can cause the disease in question.

The New York Times - Science

But when we are dealing with impact, which arises from a heavy body which has already been falling for some time, or from a bow that has already been restoring its shape for some time, or from a similar cause, the force in question is living force, which arises from an infinity of continual impressions of dead force.

SEP

But the world according to centrist Republicans and independents is irrelevant to the Republican primary process, and as much as George H.W. Bush has found great favor with voters as time has passed, conservatives will always see him as the man who violated his sworn pledge and raised taxes, and whose fidelity to the pro-life cause was always in question.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause in question", ensure the context clearly identifies what cause you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details or referencing a previously mentioned issue.

Common error

Avoid using "cause in question" in simple contexts where a more direct term like "reason" or "issue" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause in question" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify a specific reason, motive, or origin that is under scrutiny or being discussed. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from legal arguments to scientific investigations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause in question" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, best suited for neutral to formal contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's often used to pinpoint a specific reason or motive under examination in various fields like news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "issue at hand" or "matter under consideration" exist, "cause in question" adds a layer of specificity, emphasizing the origin or reason behind a particular situation. When employing this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring the reader understands precisely which cause is being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issue at hand

Focuses on the problem or matter being dealt with.

matter under consideration

Emphasizes that the topic is being carefully thought about.

subject in question

Highlights the specific topic being discussed or analyzed.

reason being discussed

Directly refers to the justification that is currently being examined.

topic at issue

Highlights the central point of disagreement or concern.

point in dispute

Focuses on the element that is being contested or debated.

driving force under scrutiny

Emphasizes the influential factor that is being closely examined.

motivation being analyzed

Refers specifically to the underlying impetus that is being investigated.

source under investigation

Highlights the origin or root that is being researched.

root cause identified

Highlights the fundamental reason that is now known.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause in question" to refer to a specific reason or motive being discussed. For example: "The "issue at hand" was to determine the "cause in question".

What phrases are similar to "cause in question"?

Alternatives include "matter in dispute", "issue at hand", or "reason being discussed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "cause in question" formal or informal?

"Cause in question" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. In very informal settings, simpler terms might be preferable.

What is the difference between "cause in question" and "reason in question"?

While similar, "cause in question" often implies a more significant or problematic issue, whereas "reason in question" might refer to a simpler explanation. They can often be used interchangeably, but consider the gravity of the situation.