their cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the reason or motivation behind a group or individual's actions or beliefs. Example: "The activists gathered to rally for their cause, hoping to raise awareness and support for the environmental issues they were passionate about."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Their cause?

The New York Times

Their cause is lost.

The New York Times

Their cause has wide public support.

The Economist

Their cause must be our cause too.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Campaigners invoke the constitution in their cause.

The Economist

Both sides invoke science to their cause.

The New York Times - Science

Their cause did not soon recover.

The New York Times

Their cause was my cause".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Double standards or wot?! Can't someone take up their cause?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Community groups joined their cause.

Los Angeles Times

Their cause higher wages, better conditions seemed legitimate.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, use the phrase to connect individuals to broader movements, illustrating shared values and objectives. For example: "Supporting local artists is supporting their cause of cultural enrichment."

Common error

Avoid using "their cause" when referring to a singular entity. If referring to an individual's motivation, use "his cause" or "her cause" instead. For instance, instead of saying 'The leader championed their cause', specify 'The leader championed his cause' if only one leader is being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their cause" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It identifies the aim, objective, or principle that a group of people collectively support. Ludwig AI confirms the versatility of this expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "their cause" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies the shared objective or belief of a group. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is typically as a noun phrase that identifies the reasons, motivations, or objectives behind a group's actions, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts from News & Media to Academia. Remember to use "their cause" only when referring to a plural subject, ensuring accurate pronoun usage. By exploring alternatives like "their objective", "their purpose", and "their mission", you can add nuance to your writing, adapting to the specific context of your message. Always aim for clarity by specifying who "their" refers to in your sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their objective

Focuses on the specific goal or aim that they are trying to achieve.

their aim

Similar to objective, but can also include a broader intention or direction.

their purpose

Emphasizes the reason for their existence or the function they serve.

their motivation

Highlights the driving force or reasons behind their actions.

their reason

A straightforward alternative focusing on the justification for their actions.

their agenda

Implies a plan or set of goals that may be hidden or not fully disclosed.

their mission

Suggests a specific and important task or assignment that they are dedicated to.

the reason behind their actions

Explains what reasons led them to act.

the rationale for their actions

Emphasizes the logical or reasoned basis for their behavior.

the principles they uphold

Focuses on the moral or ethical standards that guide their actions.

FAQs

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

Use "their cause" to describe the shared objective or belief that a group of people supports. For example: "The activists rallied to promote "their cause" of environmental conservation."

What's a good alternative to using "their cause"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "their objective", "their purpose", or "their mission" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "their cause" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, ensure that the context and tone align with the formality of the piece.

What's the difference between "their cause" and "our cause"?

"Their cause" refers to a cause or belief supported by a group of people separate from the speaker, while "our cause" refers to a cause or belief shared by the speaker and others. For example: "They advocate for "their cause", while we focus on "our cause"."