preferred cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preferred cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a favored reason or explanation for a particular outcome or event. Example: "In our research, we identified the preferred cause of the phenomenon as environmental factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Because universities are the preferred cause of major donors (gifts over £1m), we anticipate that they would be particularly hard-hit by the change in the budget.

BBC

Each site has a search tool where you can input your preferred cause ― like "homeless shelters" or "mental health clinics," for example ― and filter by organization location, size and more.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

After trying to run for president in 2012, he set up his own Super PAC in order to raise money for his preferred campaign causes (such as rallies for Herman Cain after he dropped out of the race).

Huffington Post

Some experts say women also prefer causes targeted specifically to women and girls, like domestic abuse, breast cancer and reproductive rights, but others say it is hard to distinguish those from social services in general.

The New York Times

Joy for all that is, except the resident of Keighley who allegedly spray-painted a four-letter word on the road – or in his field, depending on which rumour you prefer – causing the cameras to switch off, to the town's chagrin.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, in such settings, VA approaches may be preferred for cause of death determination.

Global Health Action

They found, as expected, that movement in a cell's preferred direction caused a greater excitatory current to enter the cells' dendrites, the structures that receive incoming signals.

Science Magazine

Anthropogenic drivers have been traditionally preferred as causes of this major cultural shift, whereas climatic changes have been dismissed or underrated.

Quaternary Science Reviews

Insulin is preferred because sulfonylureas cause hypoglycemia, particularly with variable meals, metformin is often contraindicated, thiazolidinediones cause edema and heart failure and require weeks to months for onset of glycemic action, α-glucosidase inhibitors are relatively weak, and pramlintide and glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists can cause nausea and exert greater postprandial effect.

Diabetes Care

The relative survival analysis is often preferred over the cause-specific survival since the cause of death information in the cancer registries may be unreliable or unavailable.

BMC Cancer

The authorities should also bear in mind that stopping vehicle access to the terrorists' most preferred targets may cause the terrorists to attack other targets that are more accessible.

Crime Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preferred cause", ensure the context clearly establishes why the cause is favored over other alternatives. Provide specific reasons or criteria that justify the preference.

Common error

Avoid using "preferred cause" without specifying the basis for preference. Clearly articulate the factors that make the cause more desirable or effective compared to others. Otherwise, the statement may lack persuasive impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preferred cause" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to identify a specific reason, explanation, or object of support that is favored or chosen over others. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is generally correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preferred cause" is a noun phrase used to describe a favored reason, explanation, or object of support. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears most frequently in news and media and science contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly articulate why the cause is preferred to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "favored cause" or "chosen cause", which can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favored cause

Direct synonym; substitutes "preferred" with "favored", maintaining the original meaning.

chosen cause

Emphasizes the act of selection or choice in supporting a particular cause.

cause of choice

Indicates a deliberate selection of a cause to support.

cause of preference

Highlights that this cause is preferred over other possible causes.

primary reason

Focuses on the main reason or motivation behind an action or event.

main motivation

Highlights the driving force or incentive for a particular behavior or decision.

favorite charity

Specifically refers to a preferred charitable organization or cause.

pet project

Implies a personal and cherished undertaking or cause.

particular focus

Shifts the emphasis to a specific area of concentration or support.

area of advocacy

This alternative highlights an issue in which you strongly believe and publicly defend or support.

FAQs

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

You can use "preferred cause" to describe a favored reason, explanation, or object of support. For example, "Supporting education is my "preferred cause" because I believe it empowers individuals."

What are some alternatives to saying "preferred cause"?

Alternatives include "favored cause", "chosen cause", or "primary reason", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "preferred cause" or "favorite cause"?

"Preferred cause" and "favorite cause" are largely interchangeable, though "preferred cause" can sound slightly more formal and emphasizes a reasoned choice rather than a purely emotional one. Use "favorite cause" if you want to show that you support a charity, organization, movement or cause for personal reasons.

What's the difference between "preferred cause" and "important cause"?

"Preferred cause" indicates a personal inclination or selection, while "important cause" simply signifies that a cause is significant or valuable. An "important cause" might not be the one you are more eager to support, instead the "preferred cause" does.