noble cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"noble cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a cause that is considered honorable and important, often in the context of a larger goal. For example, "The organization aims to promote education as a noble cause in developing countries".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A noble cause indeed.

The Economist

"This was a noble cause.

The New York Times

It is a noble cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was our noble cause.

The New York Times

Let's hear it for their noble cause!

The New York Times

In itself, this is a noble cause.

Harvard Business Review

It's not necessarily a noble cause.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not because it is a noble cause.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He died fighting for a noble cause.

The Guardian

The noble cause is all gone.

The New York Times

Ronald Reagan argued it was our noble cause in Vietnam.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "noble cause" to elevate the perceived value of a cause, especially when aiming to inspire and motivate individuals to support a particular mission or initiative.

Common error

Avoid using "noble cause" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact and sound cliché. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "worthy endeavor" or "altruistic aim" to maintain the reader's interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "noble cause" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a direct object, subject complement, or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI validates its proper and versatile usage across a range of grammatical structures and contexts, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "noble cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a morally good and deserving action or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across different contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Academia. To maintain writing quality, overuse should be avoided and synonyms considered. Remember, while the phrase evokes positive sentiments, ensure its usage is sincere and contextually appropriate to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

honorable endeavor

Emphasizes the respectability and seriousness of the undertaking.

worthy undertaking

Highlights the value and merit of the project or activity.

principled mission

Focuses on the ethical and moral foundations of the endeavor.

admirable pursuit

Implies that the endeavor is deserving of praise and recognition.

altruistic aim

Stresses the selfless nature and concern for others involved.

ethical cause

Highlights the morally upright nature of the issue or belief being supported.

humanitarian effort

Specifically relates to efforts aimed at improving human welfare.

righteous struggle

Suggests a fight against injustice or oppression with moral justification.

selfless act

Focuses on the act of giving or helping without expecting personal gain.

charitable endeavor

Implies that the activity involves donating to the less fortunate.

FAQs

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

You can use "noble cause" to describe an action or belief that is considered morally good and deserving of respect. For example, "Volunteering at the homeless shelter is a "noble cause"."

What are some alternatives to "noble cause"?

Alternatives to "noble cause" include "honorable endeavor", "worthy undertaking", or "principled mission". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "noble cause" in formal writing?

Yes, "noble cause" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing ethical or moral issues. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece, and ensure the phrase aligns with the context.

Can "noble cause" be used sarcastically?

Yes, "noble cause" can be used sarcastically to question the sincerity or worth of a cause that is presented as virtuous. However, use caution, as sarcasm may not always be clear and could be misinterpreted.