espousing a cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "espousing a cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing support or advocacy for a particular idea, belief, or movement. Example: "The organization is dedicated to espousing a cause that promotes environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Espousing a Cause Some nonprofit groups have board members who are married to their work.

The New York Times

Thereafter you were radicalised and each became an extremist – espousing a cause and views which, as has been said elsewhere, are a betrayal of Islam and of the peaceful Muslim communities who give so much to our country.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We don't know why, but it's a fact that lately every time the Post has espoused a cause, that cause, becomes both dead and absured.

The New Yorker

In February, the Supreme Court of India rejected a woman's plea to recognize marital rape as a criminal offense, saying that she was "espousing a personal cause, and not a public cause".

Vice

The difficulty about espousing any cause, however well intentioned, is that a significant number are bound to dissent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maciek is a slightly dandified Polish Hamlet who has fought in the uprising but is now uncertain about continuing to espouse an inevitably lost cause against the left.

The Guardian - Film

The Ugandan-born churchman has espoused a weird variety of causes, making him impossible to categorise.

The Economist

The radicals criticized Chekhov for not actively espousing their cause, but he was an artist, an individualist; he served the people and their causes in his own way.

The New Yorker

Even if, like May, she has not only espoused a range of women's causes, but modelled a "This Is What a Feminist Looks Like" T-shirt.

The Guardian - Opinion

The latter was a blond, 19th-century English aristocrat, who, captured by the Sioux, rises from being a beast of burden to espousing their cause.

The Guardian

The publishers were thrilled to have a Brahmin Iyer in Narayan espousing their cause.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "espousing a cause", ensure the cause is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Provide context to illustrate the importance of the cause.

Common error

While "espousing a cause" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Choose simpler alternatives like "supporting" or "believing in" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "espousing a cause" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of publicly supporting or advocating for a particular cause. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "espousing a cause" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of publicly supporting a particular belief or movement. While considered neutral to formal in register, its primary function is to express commitment and advocacy. Ludwig indicates the phrase is acceptable and usable in written English. While not overly common, it appears primarily in news and encyclopedic contexts. When aiming for a more casual tone, consider using alternatives like "supporting a cause".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

espousing a conviction

Emphasizes the open declaration of a deeply held belief.

embracing a movement

Suggests a complete acceptance and integration with a particular movement.

advocating a belief

Replaces 'cause' with 'belief' to emphasize the ideological aspect.

championing a movement

Uses 'championing' to suggest more active and vigorous support.

promoting an ideology

Focuses on the propagation of a specific set of ideas.

upholding a principle

Focuses on maintaining and defending a core belief or value.

supporting a principle

Highlights the backing of a fundamental truth or proposition.

endorsing a campaign

Implies a formal declaration of approval and support for a specific initiative.

backing an initiative

Offers general support to a particular project or endeavor.

defending a conviction

Stresses protecting a deeply held belief or principle.

FAQs

What does "espousing a cause" mean?

The phrase "espousing a cause" means publicly supporting or advocating for a particular belief, idea, or movement. It implies a deliberate and often vocal endorsement.

What can I say instead of "espousing a cause"?

You can use alternatives like "advocating a belief", "championing a movement", or "supporting a principle", depending on the context.

Is "espousing a cause" formal or informal?

"Espousing a cause" tends to be more formal. Simpler alternatives like "supporting a cause" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

How do you use "espousing a cause" in a sentence?

You can use "espousing a cause" like this: "The organization is dedicated to espousing a cause that promotes environmental sustainability."