a decent rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the reasoning or justification behind a decision, argument, or action, indicating that the rationale is satisfactory or acceptable. Example: "The committee approved the proposal because it provided a decent rationale for the budget increase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Keep The Fuelband, Change The Team: To Nike, having user data is important, so there's a decent rationale here.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If the market view suggests we owe each other on grounds of justice only a decent minimum, the use-per-need view suggests we owe much more both require clear rationales.

SEP

A decent man.

The Economist

A decent suitcase.

Independent

First, a decent spirit.

The New Yorker

He managed a decent joke.

The Economist

I was a decent person.

The New Yorker

— a decent and magnanimous man.

The New Yorker

Walt is a decent man.

The New York Times

"He is a decent man.

The New York Times

See articleGoldman Sachs had a decent first quarter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure that "a decent rationale" is supported by evidence or further explanation to enhance its credibility.

Common error

While "a decent rationale" is acceptable, overuse in formal documents can make the argument appear weak. Replace with stronger phrases like "a compelling justification" or "a robust foundation" to enhance the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent rationale" functions as a noun phrase, with "decent" acting as an adjective modifying "rationale". It qualifies the type of rationale being presented, suggesting it is adequate or acceptable. As Ludwig indicates, it describes a reason that is satisfactory but not necessarily outstanding.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent rationale" is a phrase used to describe a justification or reason that is adequate and acceptable. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare, the phrase is found in both news and media and scientific contexts. It is important to consider the strength of the justification needed and choose accordingly, perhaps opting for a more forceful phrase like "a sound justification" in more formal situations. The phrase conveys a sense of adequacy rather than exceptionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sound justification

Emphasizes the strength and validity of the reasoning.

a valid explanation

Focuses on the accuracy and truthfulness of the provided reason.

a reasonable basis

Highlights the logical and sensible nature of the foundation.

an acceptable justification

Indicates that the reason meets a certain standard of approval.

a satisfactory reason

Suggests that the given cause is adequate for the situation.

a plausible explanation

Implies that the reason is believable and likely to be true.

a convincing argument

Stresses the persuasive power of the provided reasoning.

an adequate ground

Emphasizes that the foundation is sufficient for the action.

a credible motive

Highlights the believability and trustworthiness of the reason.

a good reason

A simpler and more general alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a decent rationale" in a sentence?

You can use "a decent rationale" to justify a decision or action. For example, "The committee approved the project because the proposal provided "a decent rationale" for the budget increase".

What are some alternatives to "a decent rationale"?

Alternatives include "a sound justification", "a valid explanation", or "a reasonable basis", depending on the specific context.

Is "a decent rationale" formal or informal?

"A decent rationale" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in both professional and informal settings, although more formal language might be preferred in some contexts.

What distinguishes "a decent rationale" from "a compelling rationale"?

"A decent rationale" suggests an acceptable or adequate reason, while "a compelling rationale" implies a much stronger, more persuasive justification. The choice depends on the strength of the reason you want to convey.