a justifiable expense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a justifiable expense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing costs or expenditures that are reasonable and can be defended or explained as necessary. Example: "The company deemed the new software purchase as a justifiable expense given its potential to increase productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Was it a justifiable expense in troubled times?

The New York Times

"A mailshot would cost up to £30m, which in the current economic climate is not a justifiable expense.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Harvard's decision suggests that it, too, knows that primate research isn't a necessary expense or a justifiable cruelty.

The New York Times

Those policies, stressing prevention at the expense of the rule of law, grew out of a justifiable desire to find a way to hold and interrogate suspected combatants the White House was not ready to charge.

The New York Times - Books

It's a justifiable fear.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a justifiable concern.

The Guardian - Books

He has a justifiable grievance, too.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a justifiable, if placid, way of handling it.

The Guardian - Music

Given Yellen's résumé, she's a justifiable favorite.

The New Yorker

Wasn't that a justifiable exercise in itself?

The Guardian - Music

He had a justifiable reputation for brilliance as a lecturer, challenging, frequently provocative, and always stimulating.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When arguing for "a justifiable expense", clearly articulate the benefits and how they outweigh the costs. Provide data and evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Don't assume an expense is justifiable simply because it seems reasonable to you. Always provide concrete evidence and logical reasoning to support its necessity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a justifiable expense" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'justifiable' modifies the noun 'expense'. It's used to describe an expenditure that can be defended or explained as reasonable or necessary. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a justifiable expense" is a noun phrase used to describe a cost that is considered reasonable and defensible. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable, although its frequency is relatively rare. It's commonly found in news and media contexts and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly articulate the benefits and provide evidence to support your claim. Alternatives include "a reasonable expenditure" or "a legitimate expense". Remember that assuming justification without proof is a common error; always provide concrete evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a justifiable cost

Similar to the original but focuses on cost instead of expense.

an acceptable expense

Highlights that the expense is satisfactory and meets the required standards.

a reasonable expenditure

Focuses on the rationality and appropriateness of spending, rather than emphasizing its defensibility.

a warranted cost

Highlights that the cost is justified and deserved based on the value or benefit received.

an allowable charge

Suggests that the expense falls within acceptable guidelines or regulations.

a legitimate expense

Emphasizes the lawfulness and validity of the expense.

a defensible outlay

Stresses the ability to defend the expense if questioned, focusing on the reasoning behind it.

a permissible cost

Indicates that the expense is allowed or authorized by a governing body or set of rules.

a valid expenditure

Highlights the legitimacy and soundness of the spending.

a sanctioned expense

Suggests that the expense has been officially approved or authorized.

FAQs

How can I use "a justifiable expense" in a sentence?

Use "a justifiable expense" to describe costs that are reasonable and defensible. For example, "The company considered the investment in new software "a justifiable expense" because it would significantly improve productivity."

What are some alternatives to "a justifiable expense"?

Alternatives include "a reasonable expenditure", "a warranted cost", or "a legitimate expense", depending on the specific context.

What makes an expense "justifiable"?

An expense is "justifiable" when it can be defended with logical reasoning and evidence, demonstrating that the benefits outweigh the costs and that the expense is necessary or beneficial for a specific purpose.

Is there a difference between "a justifiable expense" and "a necessary expense"?

While both describe expenses that are warranted, "a justifiable expense" implies a stronger need for explanation and defense, while "a necessary expense" suggests something essential and unavoidable. The phrases "necessary expense" is often self-explanatory, where "a justifiable expense" often requires explanation.