further a cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"further a cause" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe taking action to support a particular cause or idea. For example, "John has been volunteering his time to further a cause he is passionate about - protecting endangered species."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Her name turned up in an announcement for an award she received in 1999, for "quietly working behind the scenes to further a cause".

The New York Times

We're talking about internet "sock puppets" here: in other words, people pretending to be someone else on the internet in order to win an argument – or, in the case of Amina Arraf, Syrian lesbian blogger, to further a cause.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Either way, using someone's grief to further a cause risks leaving the wellbeing of mourners behind, and I've found through these past years of reporting that the most empowering thing they can do, after being expected to mourn publicly, is to heal publicly, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether it is the public against the bankers in Wall Street and around St Paul's, or the local communities against the police in London, the bravado of fighting against the establishment and getting something back from "the man" can sometimes takeover and we get carried away, inflicting harm on fellow citizens while failing to further a cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

He isn't a man who kills to further a cause like John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald or the political protagonist of Sartre's Les mains sales, nor is he a cheap hitman, embedded in the underworld like the two wise-cracking lowlifes who come for the big Swede in Hemingway's The Killers.

The Guardian - Film

She also believed very strongly in working with other women - she used to talk about the strength of what she called the "women's mafia", and she would never hesitate to use her contacts and influence if she could do so to help further a cause.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Further, a cause-and-effect relationship can not be concluded from this study.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Can a novelist deliberately sit down to write a novel that furthers a cause?

The Guardian - Books

A support base is always useful in furthering a cause.

WikiHow

"It's being used in a political way to further a political cause, and that was never the purpose of the grand jury system in Kansas".

The New York Times

These men were indicted with "engaging in conduct intended to further a common cause of overthrowing lawful authority" at the jail.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about supporting a cause, be specific about the actions taken to "further a cause". This adds credibility and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "further a cause" without specifying how the cause is being furthered. Generic statements lack impact; provide concrete examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "further a cause" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of supporting or promoting a particular cause. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct. Examples show its usage in various contexts, such as politics, social activism, and personal endeavors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "further a cause" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes the act of supporting or promoting a particular cause. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, including news, academia, and personal endeavors. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, reflecting its relevance in public discourse. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the actions taken to support the cause for clarity and impact. Alternatives like "advance a cause" or "promote a cause" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance a cause

Uses a different verb synonymous with "further", keeping the core structure intact.

promote a cause

Employs a different verb, focusing on advocacy and spreading awareness.

support a cause

Shifts focus to providing assistance and resources to a cause.

champion a cause

Implies vigorous defense and advocacy for a cause.

bolster a cause

Focuses on strengthening and reinforcing a cause's position or impact.

drive a cause forward

Adds the idea of momentum and progress to the action of supporting a cause.

contribute to a cause

Highlights the act of giving or providing resources to aid a cause.

work towards a cause

Focuses on the effort and dedication put into achieving a cause's goals.

dedicate oneself to a cause

Emphasizes the personal commitment and devotion to a cause.

be an advocate for a cause

Highlights the role of publicly supporting and defending a cause.

FAQs

How can I use "further a cause" in a sentence?

You can use "further a cause" to describe actions taken to support a particular goal or belief. For example, "Volunteering helps to "further a cause" you care about."

What are some alternatives to "further a cause"?

Some alternatives include "advance a cause", "promote a cause", or "support a cause", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "further a cause" or "advance a cause"?

Both "further a cause" and "advance a cause" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

Can 'furthering a cause' have negative connotations?

While generally positive, "furthering a cause" can be viewed negatively if the cause itself is controversial or the methods used are unethical. Context is crucial for interpretation.