it was a cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the reason or motivation behind an event or action. Example: "The sudden change in policy was unexpected, but it was a cause for concern among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was a cause.

Harvard Business Review

Still, it was a cause of cyanosis.

The New York Times

Apple was more than a company; it was a cause".

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a cause célèbre of the time and welcome copy for cartoonists.

The Guardian

But for the crowd in Brooklyn, it was a cause for celebration.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a cause the vice president had taken up after the disease killed his eldest son, Beau, last year.

The Washington Post

It was a cause for celebration, yet the disappointment etched on the faces of the team told a different story.

The Guardian - Sport

When the Museum of Modern Art opened in six rooms on Fifty-seventh Street, in 1929, it was a cause.

The New Yorker

"It was a cause célèbre," said the architect Robert A. M. Stern, dean of Yale's architecture school.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It was a cause I believed in and wanted to be part of.

Huffington Post

He speculated that it was a cause of sexual confusion for him in later life.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was a cause", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. Providing specific details helps the reader understand the connection being made.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a cause" when the referent of "it" is unclear or distant in the text. Ensure the connection is immediate and obvious to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a cause" functions as a statement identifying something as the origin, reason, or motivation behind a specific event, situation, or feeling. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and readily applicable in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was a cause" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the origin, reason, or motivation behind a particular event or feeling. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific publications, this phrase serves to explain or justify subsequent events or states. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the referent of "it" is unmistakable to avoid ambiguity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "it was a cause" to communicate explanations and justifications with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a reason

Directly states the justification or explanation for something.

it was a contributing factor

Highlights the partial influence of something on a particular outcome.

it played a part in

Suggests a contributory, but not necessarily primary, role.

it served as a catalyst

Focuses on the role of initiating or accelerating an event.

it stemmed from

Highlights the origin or derivation of something.

it was instrumental in

Underlines the importance and effectiveness of something.

it was an impetus

Emphasizes the driving force behind an action or event.

it was the root of

Indicates the fundamental source or origin.

it triggered

Implies a direct and immediate effect.

it originated in

Pinpoints the place or situation where something began.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a cause" in a sentence?

Use "it was a cause" to indicate the reason or motivation behind a particular event or situation. For example, "The economic downturn was severe, and "it was a cause" for widespread concern".

What are some alternatives to "it was a cause"?

You can use alternatives like "it was a reason", "it stemmed from", or "it played a part in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it was a cause"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight something as the origin, reason, or motivation behind an event or feeling. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the significance of that element.

How does "it was a cause" differ from "it was a consequence"?

"It was a cause" indicates the origin or reason for something, while "it was a consequence" indicates a result or effect of something else. They represent opposite sides of a cause-and-effect relationship.