legitimate cause for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimate cause for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a valid reason or justification for a particular action or situation. Example: "The committee found a legitimate cause for the delay in the project timeline, which was due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 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

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

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

All those things are nevertheless accepted as legitimate causes for termination.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is an element here of shooting the messenger, but there are legitimate causes for concern about the agencies and the quality of their assessments.

The Guardian - Business

Accepting a longer list of legitimate causes for war may seem to make war more likely; this is certainly the contemporary view.

The Economist

However, it is our task to adjudicate upon the application and fairness of procedures adopted by public authorities when legitimate causes for concern arise, as they plainly did in this case.

The Guardian

That said, I'm also sure there will be legitimate causes for concern with the feature — but mainly because people aren't using Facebook the "right" way.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legitimate cause for", ensure that the reason or justification you provide is genuinely valid and can withstand scrutiny. Avoid using the phrase for trivial or unsubstantiated reasons.

Common error

While "legitimate cause for" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "good reason" or "valid excuse" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate cause for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically introducing the reason or justification for a particular action, concern, or emotion. It often connects a preceding statement with a valid explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legitimate cause for" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a valid or justifiable reason. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While it's suitable for formal and neutral settings, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversations. Understanding the phrase's function and purpose can help writers use it effectively to provide clear and defensible explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid reason for

Replaces "legitimate cause" with a more straightforward term for a valid reason.

justifiable reason for

Emphasizes the justification aspect, highlighting the reason's defensibility.

good grounds for

Indicates a solid basis or foundation for a particular action or feeling.

reasonable basis for

Highlights the rationality and logic behind the cause or reason.

sufficient justification for

Focuses on whether the reason is adequate and meets a certain standard.

warranted reason for

Suggests that the reason is not only valid but also deserved or appropriate.

adequate grounds for

Similar to "good grounds" but emphasizes the sufficiency of the basis.

just grounds for

Synonymous with "good grounds" and "justifiable reason", stressing fairness and validity.

defensible reason for

Highlights the capacity to defend or argue for the validity of the reason.

plausible explanation for

Focuses on the believability and reasonableness of the explanation offered as a reason.

FAQs

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

Use "legitimate cause for" to introduce a reason or justification that is valid and defensible. For example: "The company had a "valid reason for" the delay."

What's a more informal way to say "legitimate cause for"?

In less formal contexts, consider using phrases like "good reason for", "valid excuse for", or simply "reason to". These alternatives are less formal and more conversational.

Is there a difference between "legitimate cause for" and "justifiable reason for"?

While similar, "justifiable reason for" often implies a need to defend the reason, whereas "legitimate cause for" suggests inherent validity. The choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "legitimate cause for"?

Use "legitimate cause for" in situations where a clear, valid, and defensible reason is needed, such as in formal writing, legal contexts, or when providing explanations that require serious consideration.