a legitimate decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a legitimate decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a decision that is valid, justifiable, or acceptable within a certain context or framework. Example: "After careful consideration of all the factors involved, we believe that this is a legitimate decision that aligns with our values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Our coaches felt it was a legitimate decision," said Jim Mora, the head coach.

The New York Times - Sports

"We don't see it like that because we don't see it as a legitimate decision," he said.

The Guardian

"If I do decide to use the Armed Forces, this will be a legitimate decision in full compliance with … general norms of international law," he said.

The New Yorker

In a statement, Chevron said, "No judge who has participated in the type of meetings shown in the video recordings could possibly have rendered a legitimate decision".

The New York Times

"Barclays made a legitimate decision to exit these businesses based upon the well-known risks of money-laundering and terrorist financing in the money service business sector.

The Guardian

Everyone has a right to legal representation – or should have – but the way some legal firms turn a legitimate decision into condemnation of an individual housing officer is, I guess, how they earn their money.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It was a "logical and legitimate" decision to follow Duggan when he took a minicab to Leyton, east London, where Hutchinson-Foster is said to have handed him a shoebox containing the BBM Bruni firearm in a black sock, before the cab headed towards Tottenham.

The Guardian

The Palestinians are so fragmented politically and geographically that half of U.S. diplomacy is going to be about how to make peace between Palestinians, and build their institutions, so there is a coherent, legitimate decision-making body there — before we can make peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

The New York Times

It's a legitimate democratic decision.

The Guardian - Opinion

Abstaining from election participation can be a legitimate, rational decision and not only a function of apathy.

The New York Times

Deliberative democracy is the idea that a legitimate political decision is one that results from discussions among citizens under reasonably favorable conditions.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using the phrase can be strengthened by briefly explaining why the decision is considered "a legitimate decision". This will provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a legitimate decision" as a blanket statement. Instead, provide context or reasoning to support why the decision qualifies as legitimate; otherwise, it can sound dismissive or unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a legitimate decision" functions as a noun phrase, where "legitimate" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "decision". It describes the decision as being in accordance with accepted standards or principles. Ludwig's analysis of various sources confirms the consistent use of this phrase in formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a legitimate decision" is a phrase used to describe a choice that is considered valid, justifiable, and in accordance with accepted standards. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal writing. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, signifying its widespread applicability. While a common phrase, it is important to provide context when writing. Alternatives such as ""a valid decision"" or ""a justifiable decision"" can be used to vary your writing. However, the phrase remains a strong and effective way to convey the validity and appropriateness of a specific choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A valid decision

Replaces "legitimate" with "valid", emphasizing the decision's legal or logical soundness.

A justifiable decision

Focuses on the reasons and evidence supporting the decision.

A defensible decision

Highlights the ability to argue in favor of the decision.

A sound decision

Emphasizes the quality and wisdom behind the choice.

An authorized decision

Highlights that the decision was made by someone with proper permission or powers.

A permissible decision

Indicates the decision is allowed or not forbidden.

A rightful decision

Emphasizes the moral or legal correctness of the decision.

An acceptable decision

Focuses on the fact that a decision is satisfactory and allowed, although perhaps not ideal.

A well-reasoned decision

Stresses the logical process behind the decision.

A fair decision

Highlights impartiality and justice in the decision-making process.

FAQs

How can I use "a legitimate decision" in a sentence?

You can use "a legitimate decision" to describe choices that are valid, justifiable, or acceptable within a specific context. For example: "The manager's decision to reallocate resources was "a legitimate decision", given the project's budget constraints."

What are some alternatives to saying "a legitimate decision"?

Alternatives include "a valid decision", "a justifiable decision", or "a sound decision depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is it redundant to say "a legitimate and fair decision"?

While both "legitimate" and "fair" imply a sense of correctness, they emphasize different aspects. "Legitimate" focuses on the validity and lawfulness, while "fair" highlights impartiality and justice. Using both can reinforce the thoroughness of the decision-making process, but consider if the redundancy adds value or could be simplified.

What makes a decision "legitimate"?

A decision is considered "legitimate" when it aligns with established rules, laws, or ethical principles, and is made by someone with the appropriate authority or justification. Legitimacy is based on recognized standards and acceptance within a given context.