for a different cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a different cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a reason or purpose that is distinct from the one previously mentioned or considered. Example: "While the event was initially organized for charity, it ultimately served for a different cause, raising awareness about environmental issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I've always been told to disengage when people appear extremely ignorant in order to preserve my efforts for a different cause where I can actually make tangible differences.

Huffington Post

Friends and strangers seem to think that by choosing to marry at a young age, I have surrendered my ambitions for a different cause.

The New York Times

Since the earthquake, however, Mr. Tapia has reactivated the group for a different cause: He is leading a call for the Obama administration to grant temporary legal immigration status to illegal Chilean immigrants.

The New York Times

Certainly Israel is doing such things for a different cause but how different can the cause be if Israel is doing such things?

Forbes

Tiananmen veteran Shen Tong now lives in the United States and more than two decades after the events in Beijing he is demonstrating for a different cause: Occupy Wall Street.

BBC

I have been thinking and thinking of how I can do something similar to last year but for a different cause.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Therefore, we think that the morphologically diploid structure of Clonopsis karyotypes ought to be looked for in a different cause.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Relinquish your panties for a cause (well, a different cause).

The New York Times

In making his case for universal coverage, Obama disregards this reality and emphasizes a different cause for the rise of premiums, namely that private plans are being forced to absorb the cost of uncompensated care for the uninsured, who land in the emergency rooms because they can't get timely treatment.

Forbes

This time Mr. Haskell and Chip Meyrelles, the executive director of Psycho Clan, have increased the size of the house to 23 rooms from 13, each featuring a different cause for alarm.

The New York Times

These three statements each suggested a different cause for Beryl's death, setting up the two discursive frameworks that would come to shape early understandings of the case, and compete for dominance and authenticity: abortion and domestic violence.

Historical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a different cause", ensure it's clear what the original cause was to provide context and highlight the contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "for a different cause" when you actually mean "with a different effect." "Cause" refers to the reason or motivation, while "effect" is the result or outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a different cause" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the reason or purpose behind an action. It adds information about why something is being done, specifically highlighting a shift from a previous or expected motive. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for a different cause" serves to highlight a shift in motivation or objective, indicating that an action is now being undertaken for a reason distinct from what was previously the case. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to ensure clarity by providing context on the original cause. Common errors involve confusing "cause" with "effect". Related phrases include "for an alternative purpose" and "for another objective". The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific sources, demonstrating its versatility across registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for an alternative purpose

Emphasizes a change in the intended aim or goal.

for another objective

Highlights that the aim or goal is simply different from the original.

for a separate goal

Underscores the distinct nature of the objective being pursued.

toward a distinct aim

Formal phrasing emphasizing movement in the direction of a specific, different target.

in pursuit of a different objective

Formal and emphatic, indicating a deliberate striving towards a new objective.

with a divergent aim

Highlights that the aim is branching off or differing from a previous one.

to champion an unrelated cause

Emphasizes advocating for a cause that has no connection to the prior one.

for a different intention

Focuses on the shift in underlying motivation or plan.

to serve an alternative motive

Focuses on the shift in underlying personal reason.

for a dissimilar endeavor

Highlights the contrast in the nature of the undertaking or project.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "for a different cause"?

You can use alternatives such as "for an alternative purpose", "for another objective", or "to champion an unrelated cause" depending on the context.

What does "for a different cause" mean?

It indicates that something is being done or supported for a reason or purpose that is distinct from a previous or expected one. The emphasis is on the change or difference in the underlying motivation.

Is it appropriate to start a sentence with "For a different cause"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "For a different cause" can sometimes sound abrupt. It is generally better to lead with context that explains the original cause or situation.

How does "for a different cause" differ from "for a similar cause"?

"For a different cause" emphasizes a contrast in the purpose, while "for a similar cause" implies that the purposes are related or share common goals.