helps the cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "helps the cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or efforts that contribute positively to a particular goal or movement. Example: "Every donation we receive helps the cause of providing clean water to communities in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A good selection of bitter digestifs helps the cause.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr Obama has taken a gamble that the nationwide spread of migrants helps the cause of immigration reform more than it harms it.

The Economist

It certainly helps the cause of the campaign to stay in the EU to keep repeating that the UK is in a risky economic position that should not be jeopardised by Brexit.

The Guardian

The fact that it is the only animation in the upper echelons of the charts helps the cause, and it won't be challenged in this regard until DreamWorks Animation's Rise of the Guardians arrives through Paramount on 21 November.

The Guardian - Film

The point, however, is that privatizing health insurance for seniors, which is what Mr. Lieberman is in effect proposing — and which is the essence of the G.O.P. plan — hurts rather than helps the cause of cost control.

The New York Times

Frank Crispo, who opened the restaurant three years ago after two decades in various New York kitchens, has a reputation as a chef's chef, but here he's put together a menu that will appeal to everybody (Crispo's policy of keeping entrées under twenty dollars helps the cause).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He doubts whether it helps the causes it advocates.

Wikipedia

All that helped the cause of the one could be seen as helpful to the other.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"He's not helping the cause".

The New York Times

They really are not helping the cause".

The Guardian - Sport

It can only help the cause.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "helps the cause" when you want to emphasize that an action or situation is beneficial for achieving a specific goal or promoting a particular movement. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the formality of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "helps the cause" in very casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "helps" or "is good for" might be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly formal or serious in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "helps the cause" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something is contributing positively to a specific aim or objective. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "helps the cause" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something contributes positively to a specific aim. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, holding a neutral to slightly formal tone. While "helps the cause" is a useful phrase, remember that alternatives like "supports the mission" or "advances the objective" can offer nuanced variations in meaning and tone. Remember to consider your audience and the overall context when choosing the most appropriate wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aids the undertaking

Synonymous replacement of "helps" and "cause" maintaining the same meaning.

supports the mission

Highlights alignment with a specific organizational purpose.

contributes to the goal

Uses a more general verb to describe the act of supporting a cause.

promotes the purpose

Emphasizes advocacy and active encouragement of a particular cause.

advances the objective

Replaces "helps" with a stronger verb, implying significant progress toward a goal.

benefits the campaign

Specifically relates to supporting an organized course of action with a specific goal.

bolsters the effort

Suggests strengthening or reinforcing existing initiatives.

furthers the aim

Employs a more formal tone, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

facilitates the outcome

Indicates making it easier to achieve a desired result.

assists the endeavor

Replaces "cause" with a more general term for an undertaking.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "helps the cause"?

Alternatives include "supports the mission", "contributes to the goal", or "advances the objective", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

How can I use "helps the cause" in a sentence?

You can say, "Volunteering your time "helps the cause" of environmental conservation" or "Donating to the charity "helps the cause" of providing education to underprivileged children."

Is "helps the cause" formal or informal?

"Helps the cause" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for news articles, academic papers, and professional communications, but might sound a bit stilted in very casual conversation.

What's the difference between ""helps the cause"" and "aids the undertaking"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, ""helps the cause"" is more common and widely understood. "aids the undertaking" is a more formal and less frequently used alternative.