a legitimate rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a legitimate rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a valid or justifiable reason for a decision or action. Example: "The committee provided a legitimate rationale for their choice, citing the need for transparency and accountability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The court reaffirmed that finding in 2003, while also reaffirming that diversity was a legitimate rationale.

The New York Times

If the state lacks a legitimate rationale for imposing on Americans a heterosexual definition of marriage, it seems pretty likely that it likewise lacks a legitimate rationale for imposing on Americans a monogamous definition of marriage.

The Economist

"Many loyal Muslims," he writes, believe that the September 11th attacks "justified the American assault and have given it a legitimate rationale for reoccupying the Islamic world".

The New Yorker

The free expression of contrary and dissenting opinion is not a legitimate rationale for internment, despite vague and clichéd state concerns for national security.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Our concern is that the guidance has been deliberately drafted to put charities off speaking out even when they have a legitimate rationale for expressing their views on the referendum," he said.

The Guardian

From the Bush administration's perspective, Iraq's refusal to accept what Vice President Dick Cheney calls a "go anywhere, any time kind of inspection regime" provides a legitimate rationale for military action aimed at toppling Saddam Hussein.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Indeed, this limitation is implied by the very description of psi as "anomalous," and it provides an arguably legitimate rationale for imposing the requirement that the evidence for psi be "extraordinary".

F1000Research

Thus did Blunt swat away the one legitimate rationale for forcing Petraeus from his job because of his affair.

The New York Times

It also implies, through the seeking of clarification, that there might be some legitimate rationale for criminalising your own citizens because of their sexual or gender identity.

The Guardian

If we are going to use the power of the state to make sure that violent rioters in Baltimore don't have the run of the streets, then there is no legitimate rationale for allowing armed insurrectionists to take over our public lands and threaten government employees with death.

Huffington Post

All of these are legitimate rationales, but each would require a different U.S. military and diplomatic strategy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a legitimate rationale" when you want to convey that a reason or justification is not only valid but also conforms to accepted standards or principles.

Common error

While "a legitimate rationale" is a perfectly valid phrase, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a good reason" or "a valid explanation" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a legitimate rationale" functions as a noun phrase, where "legitimate" is an adjective modifying the noun "rationale". The phrase indicates a valid or justifiable reason for a particular action, belief, or decision. Ludwig AI shows it being used in contexts where justification is needed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a legitimate rationale" is a noun phrase that signifies a valid and justifiable reason. Ludwig AI analysis reveals it is grammatically correct and most frequently used in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. It conveys credibility and is suitable for formal and neutral communication. While effective in conveying a well-reasoned explanation, remember to consider simpler alternatives in more casual settings to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A valid justification

Replaces "rationale" with "justification", emphasizing the act of proving something to be right or reasonable.

A justifiable reason

Substitutes "rationale" with "reason", highlighting the basis or cause for an action.

A valid basis

Replaces "legitimate rationale" with "valid basis", focusing on the foundation or support for a decision or action.

A sound explanation

Uses "sound explanation" to suggest a reasonable and well-supported account.

A compelling argument

Emphasizes the persuasive and convincing nature of the reason.

A reasonable ground

Highlights the logical and sensible aspect of the reason.

A defensible justification

Focuses on the ability to defend or support the given reason.

An acceptable explanation

Indicates that the reason is satisfactory or allowable.

A plausible excuse

Suggests the reason is believable, though potentially not the full truth.

A good reason

Offers a simple and straightforward alternative, suitable for less formal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a legitimate rationale" to explain or justify an action or decision. For example, "The company provided "a legitimate rationale" for the price increase, citing rising production costs."

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

Alternatives include "a valid reason", "a justifiable explanation", or "a sound basis", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "rationale" the same as "reason"?

While related, "rationale" often implies a more structured or formal explanation than "reason". A "rationale" is typically a set of reasons presented as a coherent explanation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a legitimate rationale"?

It is appropriate to use "a legitimate rationale" in formal writing, professional communications, or when providing a well-reasoned explanation for a decision or action. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives.