a handy justification

USAGE SUMMARY

"a handy justification" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a convenient or useful reason for something. For example: "The new data provided a handy justification for the changes in policy." Alternative expressions include "a convenient rationale" and "a useful explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Britain and France had consolidated their empires on the platform of the transatlantic slave trade, and the ideology of race offered a handy justification.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some suggested they were a convenient fiction, a colonial panic that provided another handy justification for extending British rule.

The Guardian - Books

And for a small number of us, the image of the entrepren-asshole provides a handy, all-encompassing justification for heartless behavior: It is easy to write off our own flaws when selfishness and callousness are portrayed as the unifying features of our era's great men.

Vice

And for a small number of us, the image of the entrepren-asshole provides a handy, all-encompassing justification for heartless behaviour: It is easy to write off our own flaws when selfishness and callousness are portrayed as the unifying features of our era's great men.

Vice

A handy chart.

The New York Times

A handy visualisation tool.

The Guardian - Tech

A handy lead.

The Guardian - Sport

A handy hint?

The Guardian - Music

A handy piece of advice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was a handy victory.

The Guardian - Sport

Here's a handy overview.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a handy justification", ensure the justification is genuinely convenient and applicable to the situation. Avoid using it to mask a lack of deeper reasoning.

Common error

Avoid relying on "a handy justification" as a default explanation. Explore and articulate the underlying reasons more thoroughly for better clarity and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handy justification" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "handy" modifies the noun "justification". It's often used to describe a reason or explanation that is readily available and serves its purpose conveniently. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is valid and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a handy justification" describes a readily available and convenient reason or explanation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage, and it appears most commonly in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring the justification holds substance beyond mere convenience. Alternatives like "a convenient rationale" or "a useful explanation" may be more suitable in certain formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a convenient rationale

Focuses more on the logical aspect of the justification.

a useful explanation

Emphasizes the clarity and helpfulness of the justification.

a practical reason

Highlights the practicality and applicability of the justification.

a readily available excuse

Suggests the justification is easily accessible but might carry a negative connotation.

a serviceable alibi

Implies the justification is sufficient for a specific situation, often to avoid blame.

a fitting pretext

Highlights that justification suits the intention.

an expedient argument

Focuses more on the efficiency and effectiveness of the justification in achieving a particular goal.

an opportune defense

Suggests the justification arises at the right moment.

a facile rationalization

Highlights that the justification is easily produced, potentially implying it lacks depth.

a simple justification

Emphasizes the simplicity of the justification.

FAQs

What does "a handy justification" mean?

The phrase "a handy justification" refers to a reason or explanation that is conveniently available and easily used to defend or explain an action, decision, or situation.

How can I use "a handy justification" in a sentence?

You can use "a handy justification" to describe a reason that is readily available and serves the purpose well. For example: "The new data provided "a convenient rationale" for the changes in policy."

What are some alternatives to "a handy justification"?

Alternatives to "a handy justification" include phrases like "a convenient rationale", "a useful explanation", or "a practical reason". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "a handy justification" a formal or informal expression?

The expression "a handy justification" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, be mindful of the tone and audience when choosing this phrase. More formal contexts might benefit from phrases like "a well-founded argument".