for a good cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"for a good cause" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means doing something for a noble or worthy reason, usually with the intention of helping others or making a positive impact. Example: She decided to participate in the charity run for a good cause, raising money for children in need.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"All for a good cause," she said.

The New York Times

This is for a good cause.

The New Yorker

It's all for a good cause.

Independent

All for a good cause.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And it's all for a good cause.

Yale University

"I'm a sucker for a good cause".

The New York Times

"But it's for a good cause.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was for a good cause.

The New York Times

And it's for a good cause.

The Washington Post

"It is for a good cause," he said.

The New York Times

"We knew it was for a good cause, though".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a good cause", clearly state the specific cause to enhance transparency and encourage support. For example, "The funds are being raised for cancer research" provides more context than simply saying "for a good cause".

Common error

Avoid using "for a good cause" as a vague justification. Always provide specifics to ensure clarity and impact. Instead of saying, "We're doing this for a good cause", specify, "We're raising money for the local animal shelter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a good cause" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of purpose. It modifies a verb or clause to explain the reason or motivation behind an action, indicating that it is being done to achieve a beneficial outcome, which aligns with Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a good cause" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to justify actions with a benevolent purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. To maximize impact, specify the cause rather than relying on the phrase alone. While alternatives exist, they often carry a more formal tone. The phrase serves to evoke positive feelings and explain actions as stemming from an altruistic motivation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a worthy purpose

Replaces "cause" with "purpose", emphasizing the intentionality behind the action.

in support of a noble aim

More formal; replaces "good cause" with "noble aim", adding a layer of sophistication.

with the intention of helping others

Explicitly states the desire to assist or improve the lives of others.

to benefit a charitable organization

Specifically highlights a charitable organization as the beneficiary.

to champion a cause

To actively and publicly support a specific cause

to promote a positive impact

Focuses on the outcome or effect of the action, rather than the reason behind it.

to contribute to a worthwhile endeavor

Emphasizes the effort and investment involved in supporting a beneficial activity.

in the interest of altruism

Highlights the selfless nature of the action, emphasizing concern for others.

out of a sense of philanthropy

Connects the action to a broader concept of philanthropy and charitable giving.

motivated by a desire to give back

Highlights the personal motivation behind the action, suggesting a sense of gratitude or responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "for a good cause" to explain the reason for an action, such as "I ran a marathon "for a good cause", raising money for cancer research".

What are some alternatives to "for a good cause"?

Alternatives include phrases like "for a worthy purpose", "to benefit a charitable organization", or "in support of a noble aim".

Is it better to be specific when using "for a good cause"?

Yes, being specific about the cause is generally more effective. For example, saying "We're raising money "for the local food bank"" is clearer and more compelling than just saying ""for a good cause"".

What does it mean to do something "for a good cause"?

To do something ""for a good cause"" means you are acting to help others, support a charity, or contribute positively to society. It implies a selfless or altruistic motivation.