great cause

USAGE SUMMARY

'great cause' is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to a cause or purpose that is very important and worthy of support. For example, "We are proud to work with our volunteers for such a great cause - helping the homeless population in our city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Great cause, great tune.

The Guardian - Music

There is no great cause for concern".

The New York Times

That's the great cause of optimism.

The Guardian - Books

He did have his own great cause.

The New York Times - Books

What is American Girl's "great cause"?

The New York Times

What makes a great cause campaign?

Harvard Business Review

Because behind every great cause is a great leader.

Columbia University

Once again we are joined together in a great cause.

The New York Times

Perhaps anti-fracking is the next great cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

And tonight his great cause has suffered a terrible setback.

The New York Times

But here is a great cause waiting for its champions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great cause" to connect on an emotional level with your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "great cause" repetitively in a single piece of writing. Find varied language to emphasize the importance and worthiness of the purpose you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great cause" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'great' modifies the noun 'cause'. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object of a preposition, denoting something worthy of support or effort, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great cause" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a purpose worthy of support. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase found across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business spheres. While generally neutral in register, the impact of "great cause" lies in its power to motivate action and inspire support for significant endeavors. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives such as "worthy cause" or "noble cause" to maintain freshness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worthy cause

Focuses on the inherent worthiness of the cause, emphasizing its moral or ethical value.

noble cause

Highlights the high-minded and virtuous nature of the cause.

important cause

Stresses the significance and consequence of the cause.

significant cause

Emphasizes the magnitude and impact of the cause.

valuable cause

Highlights the inherent worth and benefits derived from supporting the cause.

meaningful cause

Focuses on the depth and personal relevance of the cause.

admirable cause

Highlights the praiseworthy and commendable nature of the cause.

charitable endeavor

Shifts the focus to the active effort involved in supporting a charitable goal.

philanthropic initiative

Positions the cause as a formal and organized effort to improve society.

humanitarian effort

Connects the cause to broader efforts aimed at alleviating human suffering and improving well-being.

FAQs

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

You can use "great cause" to describe a purpose that is very important and worthy of support. For example, "We are raising money for a "great cause": providing education to underprivileged children".

What are some alternatives to saying "great cause"?

Alternatives include "worthy cause", "noble cause", or "important cause", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "great cause" in formal writing?

Yes, "great cause" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the context and the overall tone of the piece.

What makes a cause "great"?

A "great cause" is typically characterized by its significant positive impact, widespread benefits, and alignment with ethical or moral principles. It often addresses a critical need or seeks to improve the well-being of a large number of people.