cause to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"cause to be" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a verb phrase, meaning to make or bring about a certain state or condition. It is often used to describe how one action or event leads to another. Example: The heavy rains caused the river to be flooded, resulting in several road closures.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is cause to be skeptical.

The New Yorker

He had cause to be grateful.

The New Yorker

The producers had cause to be prudent.

The Economist

It has cause to be nervous.

The Guardian - Arts

He now had more cause to be.

The Guardian - Film

Day has cause to be rueful.

The Guardian - Sport

So which party had most cause to be triumphant?

The Guardian

He has cause to be reasonably confident about his appointment.

The Guardian

We would all have cause to be ashamed.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, there is cause to be grateful, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

We had cause to be grateful for the latter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause to be", ensure that the sentence structure clearly indicates the relationship between the cause and the resulting state. This will enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cause to be" in simple sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or convoluted. Opt for stronger, more concise verbs when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause to be" functions as a causative verb phrase. It connects an action or event with its resulting state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in linking a cause with its effect, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause to be" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate that something leads to a particular state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While valuable for expressing causality, it's important to avoid overuse in simple sentences, where simpler verbs may be more effective. When writing, be mindful of the specific relationship between the cause and effect to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason to be

This alternative directly indicates a justification or explanation for a certain state or action.

justification for

Highlights the existence of a valid reason supporting something.

basis for

Indicates the foundation or support upon which something is established.

grounds for

Implies a legitimate or acceptable reason for a specific action or belief.

impetus for

Suggests a driving force or motivation behind an action or event.

catalyst for

This phrase points to something that triggers or accelerates a change or event.

motivation for

Focuses on the internal or external factors that drive someone to act.

stimulus for

Highlights an event that initiates activity.

pretext for

Suggests a reason or excuse given to hide the real purpose of something.

rationale for

This alternative indicates the underlying logic or principle behind an action or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "cause to be" in a sentence?

Use "cause to be" to indicate that something leads to a particular state or condition. For example, "The constant rain caused the river to be flooded".

What are some alternatives to "cause to be"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "reason to be", "justification for", or "basis for".

Is it always necessary to use "cause to be", or are there simpler options?

While grammatically correct, "cause to be" can sometimes make sentences sound more complex than needed. Simpler verbs might be more effective; consider if "caused" or "led to" work better in your sentence.

What's the difference between "cause to be" and "result in"?

"Cause to be" emphasizes the action leading to a state, whereas "result in" focuses on the outcome itself. They can often be used interchangeably, but "result in" might be preferable when the emphasis is on the consequence.