foreign causes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foreign causes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to reasons or factors originating from outside a particular country or context, often in discussions about politics, economics, or social issues. Example: "The government is investigating the impact of foreign causes on the local economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The issue of a few British youngsters going to fight for "foreign" causes was described as unacceptable, dangerous, a demonstration of split loyalties and of serious concern.

The Guardian

In the past, problems highlighted in public media were attributed to foreign causes (usually saboteurs, spies and sanctions) or natural disasters.

The Guardian

These radical reforms led to discontent, furthered by widespread opposition to the RCC's decision to spend oil money on foreign causes.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She's not even a U.S. citizen, just a foreigner fighting for a foreign country on foreign soil for a foreign cause.

The New Yorker

But this formula is not easily applied in a case like the Fort Hood killings, in which a radical American Muslim is accused of a terrorist act associated with a foreign cause.

The New York Times

Most are foreign, causing potential currency-transfer problems, though a few Ukrainian ones exist.

TechCrunch

The estimated proportion of foreign cases caused by Germans is 16.0%95%5% CI: 7.6 - 24.3%).

BMC Infectious Diseases

We also estimated the corresponding proportion of foreign cases caused by German cases for which the same method applies.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Meanwhile, our willingness to place parts of the critical national infrastructure under foreign ownership causes jaws to drop elsewhere.

The Guardian - Tech

Contact between blood and foreign materials causes blood cell activation and adhesion, followed by blood coagulation.

Acta Biomaterialia

Among foreign bodies causing injuries in children, magnets have been reported to cause serious complications and being life-threatening.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foreign causes", ensure the context clearly specifies the entity being influenced by these causes, whether it's a nation, economy, or social group. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "foreign causes" as a blanket explanation for complex situations. Instead, identify specific causes and provide evidence to support the claim, enhancing credibility and analytical depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foreign causes" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition to describe external factors or reasons influencing a particular situation. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability, yet examples are somewhat limited.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foreign causes" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe external factors influencing a situation. Ludwig confirms its validity, although its usage is relatively rare. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific, and wiki contexts. To enhance clarity, specify the influenced entity and avoid overgeneralization when using this phrase. Consider alternatives like ""international issues"" or ""external factors"" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

international issues

Focuses on issues involving multiple nations, broader in scope.

global concerns

Emphasizes worldwide anxieties or problems.

overseas matters

Highlights affairs originating in other countries.

external factors

Refers to influences from outside a specific system or entity.

international affairs

Focuses on political and diplomatic interactions between countries.

foreign affairs

Highlights a nation's relationships and dealings with other countries.

international agendas

Focuses on the plans and goals of international organizations or nations.

external drivers

Focuses on the forces from outside that propel or influence events.

international objectives

Emphasizes the goals that nations or international groups aim to achieve.

global dynamics

Highlights the interconnected and changing relationships between countries.

FAQs

How can I use "foreign causes" in a sentence?

You can use "foreign causes" to describe external factors impacting a specific situation, such as "The economic downturn was attributed to "foreign causes" like fluctuating exchange rates and trade imbalances."

What are some alternatives to "foreign causes"?

Alternatives to "foreign causes" include "international issues", "external factors", or "global concerns", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "foreign causes"?

It's appropriate when discussing events or situations significantly influenced by factors originating from outside a particular country or system. Ensure the context supports the assertion that these causes are indeed foreign in origin.

What's the difference between "foreign causes" and "domestic issues"?

"Foreign causes" refer to external influences, while "domestic issues" pertain to problems originating within a country. Using both terms helps to differentiate between internal and external factors affecting a given situation.