a justifiable explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a justifiable explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an explanation that is reasonable and can be defended or justified in a given context. Example: "The researcher provided a justifiable explanation for the unexpected results in the study, which helped clarify the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Favre can still emerge from his bad start of the season with a justifiable explanation, as long as he is the one telling it and releasing word that he's hobbled and unable to perform at his best this week.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I can't think of any justifiable explanation for the cell phone incident.

Huffington Post

Size can be the only justifiable explanation for picking Alex Cuthbert with the 18-year-old Keelan Giles set to win his first cap from the bench and you cannot help but feel the recalls of Jamie Roberts and Dan Lydiate are counterintuitive if Wales are looking to demonstrate a more expansive, attacking outlook.

The Guardian - Sport

The surgeons involved would be notified, and this would result in further scrutiny of their performance data to see if there is any error or justifiable explanation for the outcomes.

BBC

But part of the explanation for his behaviour is a justifiable fear that the team is out to get him.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

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

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian - Music

Wasn't that a justifiable exercise in itself?

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a justifiable explanation" when you want to convey that a reason or excuse is not only provided but also has a basis in reason, fairness, or law.

Common error

While "justifiable" is appropriate in formal and professional settings, consider using simpler terms like "reasonable" or "understandable" in casual conversation to avoid sounding overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a justifiable explanation" functions as a noun phrase, where "justifiable" modifies the noun "explanation". It serves to describe the quality or nature of the explanation being offered, emphasizing that it is reasonable and defensible. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a justifiable explanation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a reason or excuse that is considered valid and defensible. As Ludwig AI states, this expression is correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific and formal writing. When considering alternative phrasing, options like "a valid explanation" or "a reasonable explanation" may also fit depending on the intended nuance. When using the term, ensure that the context warrants the level of formality that "justifiable" implies. The phrase is an uncommon but valid expression, appropriate for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valid explanation

Replaces "justifiable" with "valid", focusing on the logical soundness of the explanation.

a reasonable explanation

Substitutes "justifiable" with "reasonable", highlighting the explanation's logical sense and fairness.

an acceptable explanation

Replaces "justifiable" with "acceptable", indicating the explanation meets a certain standard of approval.

a defensible explanation

Similar to "justifiable", emphasizing the ability to argue for and protect the explanation from criticism.

a legitimate explanation

Emphasizes the lawfulness and authenticity of the explanation.

a warranted explanation

Suggests the explanation is justified by the circumstances.

a plausible explanation

Highlights the believability of the explanation, even if not definitively proven.

an understandable explanation

Focuses on the ease with which the explanation can be comprehended.

a convincing explanation

Indicates the explanation is effective in persuading someone of something.

a sound explanation

Replaces "justifiable" with "sound", focusing on the solid and well-reasoned nature of the explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a justifiable explanation" to describe a reason or excuse that is considered valid or acceptable. For example, "The company provided "a justifiable explanation" for the delay in the project."

What's the difference between "a justifiable explanation" and "a reasonable explanation"?

"A justifiable explanation" implies that the explanation is not only logical but also morally or legally defensible. "A "reasonable explanation"" simply means that the explanation makes sense and is fair.

What are some alternatives to "a justifiable explanation"?

Some alternatives to "a justifiable explanation" include "a valid reason", "an acceptable excuse", or "a legitimate cause".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "a justifiable explanation"?

It's appropriate to use "a justifiable explanation" in formal, professional, or academic settings where you need to convey that a reason or excuse is not only provided but also has a solid basis in logic, ethics, or law.