less cause for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less cause for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a reduction in the reasons or justification for a particular situation or action. Example: "With the new safety measures in place, there is less cause for concern among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

There will be less cause for disagreement.

The New York Times

But the truth may give less cause for jingoism.

The Guardian - Film

But in practice, there is less cause for optimism.

The Economist

The irony of Davies's outburst is that there has rarely been less cause for moral panic.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the streets of Pakistan, among ordinary people, India provides less cause for concern.

The New York Times

Mr. Schimpf's account of Brahms's Ballade No. 4 offered less cause for dispute.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

As immobilizing the knee and ankle is found to reduce the measuring error by almost half compared to standard footrests (Goh et al. 1995), we would not expect footrests to be adequate in a scanning model sensitive to rotation, but if useable, it would certainly be more comfortable for the patients and cause less effort for the staff.

Acta Orthopaedica

But in the past they have mounted coups for far less cause than the current crises.

The Economist

The change, however, is less a cause for concern than for regret.

The New York Times

Some analysts say PetroChina's debut may be less a cause for celebration than a caution about the Chinese market bubble.

The New York Times

But at Dockside Green, a 15-acre mixed-use development being built just north of this city's downtown harbor, neighborhood utilities are less a cause for alarm than part of the amenity package.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less cause for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the diminished cause is related to. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "less cause for" when the situation warrants "no cause for". The phrase indicates a reduction, not a complete absence, of a reason or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less cause for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating a reduction in the basis or reason for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less cause for" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase indicating a reduction in the reasons or justification for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate in many contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it serves to reassure or offer a balanced view by emphasizing diminished reasons for concern or action. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the reduced cause and avoid using it when "no cause for" is more appropriate. Alternatives such as "reduced reason for" can be considered for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced reason for

Replaces 'cause' with 'reason', maintaining the same meaning with a slight shift in emphasis.

diminished justification for

Substitutes 'cause' with the more formal 'justification', suitable for professional or academic contexts.

decreased need for

Focuses on the reduced requirement for something, rather than the reason behind it.

limited grounds for

Emphasizes the scarcity of reasons, making it suitable when the reasons are nearly absent.

scant basis for

Highlights the lack of solid foundation or support for something.

less reason to be

Shifts the focus to the emotional or psychological state resulting from the reduced cause.

reduced likelihood of

Changes the focus to probability, suggesting that the event is less likely to occur.

weakened rationale for

Highlights that the reasoning or logic behind something has become less persuasive.

attenuated impetus for

Replaces 'cause' with 'impetus', suggesting a decrease in the force or motivation behind an action.

less impetus to

Focuses on the diminished motivation or encouragement for a specific action.

FAQs

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

Use "less cause for" to indicate a reduction in reasons or justification for something. For example: "With improved safety protocols, there's "less cause for" concern."

What's a formal alternative to "less cause for"?

A more formal alternative to "less cause for" is "diminished justification for". This alternative is suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is it ever correct to say "fewer cause for" instead of "less cause for"?

No, it's generally incorrect. "Less" is used with uncountable nouns, while "fewer" is used with countable nouns. "Cause" in this context is uncountable, making "less cause for" the correct choice.

What's the difference between "less cause for concern" and "no cause for concern"?

"Less cause for concern" implies there are still some reasons to be concerned, but they are reduced. "No cause for concern" means there are absolutely no reasons to worry.