legitimate cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"legitimate cause" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a valid and justified reason for doing something. For example, "The teacher gave him an excused absence due to his legitimate cause of illness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And that's a legitimate cause for grief, I think.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think there was legitimate cause for anger.

The New York Times - Science

But I think it is a legitimate cause for concern".

The New York Times

Thursday night, though, offered legitimate cause for celebration.

The New York Times - Arts

Far too often school boards have acted dictatorially and without legitimate cause.

The New York Times

There's always somebody who has a legitimate cause in their mind to be angry with me".

The New York Times

When most are also paying the minimum wage, it is a legitimate cause for concern.

The Guardian

Was defeating Germany and Japan in World War II a legitimate cause?

The New York Times - Books

Gaylin writes: "A legitimate cause rarely generates the kind of hatred that sacrifices the innocent".

The New York Times - Books

The economy may be the legitimate cause — or there may be discrimination".

The New York Times - Health

Water experts concur, but say Pakistan does have a legitimate cause for concern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "legitimate cause" to describe a justification that is based on recognized principles or rules, rather than personal opinions or biases.

Common error

Avoid using "legitimate cause" to excuse actions that are clearly unethical or illegal. Ensure the cause genuinely aligns with accepted moral or legal standards.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate cause" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As seen in Ludwig, it usually acts as the subject complement or object of a preposition, indicating a justified reason or basis for something. For example, "There's always somebody who has a "legitimate cause" in their mind to be angry with me".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legitimate cause" is a frequently used noun phrase that signifies a valid and justifiable reason or basis for action or belief. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. It's most commonly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, use "legitimate cause" when you want to convey that something is supported by accepted standards and principles. Alternatives like "valid reason" or "just cause" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Legitimate reason

Emphasizes the reason being in accordance with the law or rules.

Valid reason

Focuses on the reason being sound and acceptable.

Just cause

A more concise and formal way of expressing a justified reason.

Justifiable reason

Emphasizes the defensibility and righteousness of the reason.

Valid basis

Highlights the foundation or grounds for something being acceptable.

Justifiable basis

Highlights that the foundations are good enough.

Warranted reason

Indicates a reason that justifies a particular action.

Good reason

A more general term for an acceptable reason.

Acceptable grounds

Stresses the acceptability of the foundation or reason.

Justifiable motive

Highlights the reason to do something.

FAQs

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

You can use "legitimate cause" to describe a valid reason for concern, action, or belief. For example, "There is "legitimate cause for concern" regarding the safety of the new bridge."

What phrases are similar to "legitimate cause"?

Alternatives to "legitimate cause" include "valid reason", "justifiable reason", or "just cause". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "legitimate cause" and "good reason"?

"Legitimate cause" implies a more formal and justifiable basis, often adhering to rules or principles, while "good reason" is a more general term for an acceptable reason that might not necessarily be formally recognized.

Can I use "legitimate cause" in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "legitimate cause" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very informal settings, you might prefer a simpler alternative like "good reason" or "valid point".