for a higher cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"for a higher cause" is a perfectly valid phrase that can be used in written English.
For example, you could say, "He fought bravely for a higher cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Mr. Bergson spent much of his life upsetting others for a higher cause.

The New York Times

They sound like an ascetic's vow to renounce the self's happiness for a higher cause.

The New Yorker

That, too, is an old man's film of pain, renunciation, and death, of sacrifice for a higher cause.

The New Yorker

Do you want to play?' I said, 'Awesome.' And now we're full-force professionals, playing for a higher cause".

The New York Times - Arts

But at a certain point, once terrorism becomes something one does for a higher cause, I don't think this type of method would work".

The New Yorker

His father, Dasaratha Rama Iyer, 78, held himself up on his cane, and said he kept coming to vote for a higher cause.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The same vicious cycle in hemodynamics is thought to be the chief mechanism for a higher E/E' causing CIN.

BMC Nephrology

The military also taps into the other driver or motivator for mental toughness, a higher cause.

Huffington Post

"Most common people, I don't mean intellectuals, saw him as a disinterested man who spent all his life for a high cause, which was to revive the faith".

The New York Times

"But I know this is for a higher reason, a better cause.

The New Yorker

For medication-overuse headache, a high cause of disability that is both preventable and remediable, the diagnosis rate is 10%.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a higher cause" when you want to emphasize that actions are motivated by altruism or a dedication to something beyond personal benefit.

Common error

Avoid using "for a higher cause" to justify actions that primarily serve personal interests, even if they incidentally benefit others. The phrase implies a selfless dedication that should be genuinely reflected in the described actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a higher cause" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the motivation or reason behind an action. As shown by Ludwig, it often describes actions driven by altruism or dedication to something beyond personal gain.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a higher cause" is a prepositional phrase that explains the motivation behind an action, usually implying altruism and dedication to principles beyond personal gain. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the actions genuinely reflect the selfless dedication it suggests. Consider alternatives like "for a nobler purpose" or "for the greater good" to refine your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a nobler purpose

Replaces 'cause' with 'purpose', emphasizing intention and direction.

in the service of something greater

Shifts focus to the act of serving an entity of large value.

for the greater good

Specifies that the 'higher cause' benefits a large population.

to advance a worthwhile objective

Replaces 'cause' with 'objective', suggesting a target to reach.

in pursuit of a transcendent aim

Emphasizes the loftiness and inspirational component of the goal.

for the sake of a grand ideal

Highlights the role of a guiding principle, replacing 'cause' with 'ideal'.

dedicated to a significant endeavor

Focuses on the long term engagement and involvement in an important enterprise.

motivated by a profound conviction

Emphasizes the inner belief fueling the action, instead of an external 'cause'.

driven by a selfless ambition

Highlights the lack of personal gain involved, using 'ambition' to reframe 'cause'.

to champion a vital principle

Suggests the act of defending or promoting a core belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "for a higher cause" to indicate that someone is acting out of dedication to something bigger than themselves. For instance, "She volunteered her time "for a higher cause", helping to build homes for the less fortunate".

What phrases are similar to "for a higher cause"?

Similar phrases include "for the greater good", "for a nobler purpose", and in the service of something greater, all of which emphasize altruism and selflessness.

Is it appropriate to use "for a higher cause" in formal writing?

Yes, "for a higher cause" is appropriate in formal writing when describing actions motivated by altruism or dedication to principles beyond personal gain. Its use should align with the context's tone and purpose.

What's the difference between "for a higher cause" and "for a good cause"?

"For a good cause" generally implies that the action benefits others, while "for a higher cause" suggests the action is motivated by a more profound dedication to principles or ideals that transcend immediate benefits. The "higher cause" implies selflessness and moral commitment.