not without cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"not without cause" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when there is an obvious reason for something to have happened and you want to point out that the reason is not baseless. For example, "He was dismissed from his job, not without cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

And not without cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her caution, surely, is not without cause.

The New Yorker

Air pollution is becoming big business – and not without cause.

The Guardian

This much ado about Christie is not without cause.

The New York Times - Arts

It was not without cause that Mr. Bush called his intentions "historic and courageous".

The New York Times

Dr. Paige's eagerness to define his role is not without cause.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

You can't just shut down the plane's engines while you rebuild them at least not without causing a crash.

Harvard Business Review

In came the closer, Brian Wilson, to get the five-out save, which he did, but not without causing anxiety and strain among his supporters back in San Francisco.

The New York Times - Sports

They go out on foot patrols, and into Afghan homes — and into parts of those homes where American men can't easily go, at least not without causing trouble.

The New Yorker

A weaker currency may help competiveness in the longer term, but not without causing pain in the short runIt doesn't seem that long ago that emerging markets were claiming the US was indulging in "currency wars" by keeping rates near zero and indulging in QE, but they don't seem that happy with tapering and a stronger dollar either.

The Economist

Here the short-term benefits of the visit are already evident: Spanish colonial buildings, including the governor's residence, boast new paint, a major highway is pothole free (although not without causing major traffic jams and epic grousing), statues gleam after rounds of polish and rusty old signs have been dutifully replaced.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not without cause" to subtly emphasize that there is a clear, often previously unstated, justification for an event, feeling, or decision. It adds a layer of understanding to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "not without cause" in very casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "there's a reason" or "it makes sense."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not without cause" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating that an action or event has a valid reason or justification. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and usable in written English. The examples in Ludwig show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

9%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not without cause" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates there is a valid reason or justification for something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, and its primary function is to provide a subtle explanation or context. The expression sees frequent use in news and media, fitting a neutral register. When aiming for alternatives, consider phrases like "with good reason" or "justifiably". While versatile, be mindful of overusing it in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with good reason

This alternative directly states that a valid reason exists, maintaining a similar level of formality and directness.

justifiably

This single word expresses that something is done with justification or a valid reason, offering a more concise alternative.

for a valid reason

This phrase explicitly mentions the existence of a 'valid reason', emphasizing the legitimacy of the cause.

with due reason

Similar to 'with good reason', this option implies careful consideration and a legitimate basis for the action or feeling.

deservingly

Suggests that something is earned or merited, highlighting the fairness or appropriateness of the situation.

legitimately

This indicates that the action or feeling is lawful or in accordance with accepted rules and principles.

justifiably so

Adds emphasis to the justification, stressing that the reason is not only valid but also significant.

not unjustifiably

This phrasing uses a double negative to affirm that the action is justifiable, though it is a bit more formal and nuanced.

for a legitimate reason

Similar to 'for a valid reason', but using 'legitimate' reinforces the idea of something being in accordance with the law or rules.

understandably

Indicates that something is easily understood or reasonably expected, implying that the reason is clear and apparent.

FAQs

What does "not without cause" mean?

The phrase "not without cause" means there is a valid or justifiable reason for something. It suggests that an action, feeling, or situation did not arise randomly but has a clear basis.

When is it appropriate to use "not without cause" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "not without cause" in formal writing or when you want to subtly emphasize the justification behind something. It can be used in news articles, academic papers, or professional documents.

Which phrases are similar in meaning to "not without cause"?

Phrases similar to "not without cause" include "with good reason", "justifiably", or "for a valid reason". These alternatives convey that there is a valid or justifiable reason for something.

Is "not without cause" the same as "without cause"?

No, "not without cause" and "without cause" have opposite meanings. "Not without cause" means there is a reason, while "without cause" means there is no reason or justification.