is cause for

USAGE SUMMARY

'is cause for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce a reason, motive, or occasion for something. For example, "The high rate of absenteeism in his class is cause for concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Individualism is cause for mortification.

The New York Times - Arts

There is cause for pause.

The New York Times - Tech

It is cause for hope.

The New York Times

At first, this is cause for elation.

The New York Times - Books

Dealers say there is cause for optimism.

The New York Times

Victory itself is cause for rejoicing.

The Guardian

Here, too, is cause for some optimism.

The Economist

That, at least, is cause for relief.

The Economist

For preservationists, this is cause for concern.

The New York Times

To some, that is cause for concern.

The New York Times

But that is cause for celebration.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is cause for" to clearly and directly indicate the reason or justification behind a specific emotion, action, or situation. For example, "The company's increased profits are cause for celebration".

Common error

Avoid using "is cause for" in passive constructions where the subject is unclear. Instead, ensure the sentence clearly states what or who is experiencing the emotion or action. For example, avoid "Concern is caused for" and instead write "The data is cause for concern".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is cause for" functions as a linking phrase that connects a situation or event to a resulting emotion or action. It indicates that the preceding subject provides a valid reason or justification for the specified outcome. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is cause for" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express that something provides a reason or justification for a particular feeling, action, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. This phrase is frequently found in news and media contexts, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for professional and academic communications. When using "is cause for", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what or who is experiencing the emotion or action. Remember the alternative phrases "warrants", "justifies" or "is sufficient reason for", can be used to provide subtle variations in meaning, which enriches your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is sufficient reason for

Highlights that the reason is adequate and enough.

is reason enough for

Emphasizes the sufficiency of the reason.

constitutes grounds for

Suggests a formal or legal basis for action.

provides a rationale for

Highlights the logical basis or explanation for something.

warrants

Focuses on justification or authorization, rather than direct causation.

justifies

Emphasizes the rightness or appropriateness of a response or action.

gives rise to

Highlights the beginning or emergence of something as a result.

accounts for

Emphasizes the contribution or explanation of a specific factor.

motivates

Focuses on the driving force or incentive behind an action.

explains

Offers clarification or understanding of why something is happening or has happened.

FAQs

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

You can use "is cause for" to indicate a reason or justification for a particular feeling or action. For example, "The decline in sales "is cause for concern"".

What are some alternatives to "is cause for"?

Some alternatives include "warrants", "justifies", or "is sufficient reason for", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is a cause for" instead of "is cause for"?

The phrase "is cause for" is the more common and grammatically accepted form. While "is a cause for" might be understandable, it is not standard usage.

What is the difference between "is cause for concern" and "is concerning"?

"Is cause for concern" indicates that something gives a reason to be worried, while "is concerning" means that something is itself worrying or troubling. They have subtle differences in meaning and usage. For example, "The company's financial status "is cause for concern"", and "The company's financial status "is concerning"".