for whatever cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'for whatever cause' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to an unknown reason or a reason that is not important to a particular situation. For example, "I decided to take a break from work for whatever cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The Alinsky approach is not a flash-in-the-pan disruptive gathering of people for whatever cause, but rather a studied, organized approach, thoughtful and methodical.

The New York Times

Patients experiencing chronic pain for whatever cause will be put through a program where they receive intensive physical therapy, behavioral counseling, intensive psychological counseling.

The New York Times

12.4 In all other respects, liability towards Springer and Springer's vicarious agents – for whatever cause in law – is hereby ruled out.

Springer

She's an excellent spokeswoman for whatever cause she's taken up.

Huffington Post

There are many organizations and nonprofits out there that are champions for whatever cause you are passionate about.

Huffington Post

Ruffalo gave a short speech in accepting the prize where he urged graduates to fight for whatever cause they truly believe in.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The proposed centralisation, easy on paper, diminishes essential services of whatever kind and for contingencies of whatever cause, at times when immediate assistance is essential and close by.

The Guardian

Of course we respect the privacy of a family that doesn't want us to mention the cause, for whatever reason.

The New York Times

"My theory is that for whatever reason I could cause others like me to reject these liberal social-welfare policies".

The New York Times

For whatever reason, few things cause me more anxiety than having to storm around my apartment or cube at work trying to find my wallet or a story file from six months ago.

The New York Times

It killed me that I didn't want to/didn't feel like having sex with my partner, that for whatever reason I was causing a lot of the tension in our relationship by withholding physical intimacy from him.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for whatever cause" when you want to indicate that the specific reason or motivation is not important or is unknown, and the focus should be on the action or result.

Common error

While acceptable, "for whatever cause" can sometimes sound vague in highly formal contexts. Consider using more precise language if the reason can be specified, or choosing a more formal alternative such as "regardless of the reason" if the reason is truly irrelevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for whatever cause" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating that the specific reason or motivation is either unknown, irrelevant, or encompassing all possible reasons. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is deemed correct and fit for written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

44%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for whatever cause" is a correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates an unspecified or irrelevant reason. According to Ludwig, it is versatile and applicable in many contexts. It appears frequently in "News & Media" and "Science", suggesting a neutral register. While grammatically sound, it is advisable to use more specific language in formal writing to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "for any reason" or "regardless of the reason" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for any reason

This alternative is shorter and more direct, implying a broader scope of possible reasons.

for some reason

This alternative suggests a known but unstated reason, implying more specificity than the original.

regardless of the reason

This alternative emphasizes the irrelevance of the specific reason.

no matter the cause

This alternative focuses on the cause rather than the reason, suggesting a more formal tone.

for reasons unknown

This alternative highlights the mystery or lack of information regarding the reason.

due to unforeseen circumstances

This alternative implies unexpected and potentially uncontrollable factors.

on account of various factors

This alternative suggests a complex interplay of different contributing elements.

irrespective of the motive

This alternative shifts the focus to the underlying motive behind an action.

for an unspecified purpose

This alternative emphasizes the lack of a clearly defined goal or intention.

come what may

This idiom expresses acceptance of any outcome, regardless of the cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "for whatever cause" to indicate that a specific reason is unknown or unimportant, such as, "Patients experiencing chronic pain "for whatever cause" will be put through a program where they receive intensive physical therapy".

What are some alternatives to "for whatever cause"?

Some alternatives include "for any reason", "regardless of the reason", or "no matter the cause".

Is "for whatever cause" formal or informal?

"For whatever cause" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both news and general writing, but it might be considered slightly informal in highly academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "for whatever cause" and "for whatever reason"?

While similar, "cause" implies a direct source or origin, whereas "reason" suggests a more abstract justification. They are often interchangeable, but "cause" may be more appropriate when referring to physical or tangible origins.