a legitimate rationale for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a legitimate rationale for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a valid reason or justification for a particular action, decision, or belief. Example: "The committee provided a legitimate rationale for their decision to increase funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

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

Yes, I've heard the argument that those who earn over $250,000 are a small group - as if small numbers is a legitimate rationale for profiling.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We recognize that no one in the Trump administration is sitting at that table right now, and in this regard, "do less harm" is a perfectly legitimate rationale for opposing their reckless trade policies.

The Washington Post

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

He insists that Iraq be seen as the Bush Administration's mistake, not America's, and that in the future, when there is a legitimate rationale to act in America's interest "with respect for the American people, with an openness, with truth, with legitimate cause and intelligence," then "Americans will follow the truth and respond to the real needs of our country".

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

In other words, have DPS approaches a legitimate rationale to be implemented?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a legitimate rationale for", ensure that the rationale is supported by evidence and aligns with established principles or standards. Avoid relying on personal opinions or biases.

Common error

Avoid using "a legitimate rationale for" when the reasoning is weak, unsubstantiated, or based on questionable assumptions. Using the phrase in such cases can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a legitimate rationale for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a reason or justification that is considered valid and acceptable. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it is often used to explain or defend decisions, actions, or beliefs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a legitimate rationale for" is a phrase used to introduce a valid and acceptable reason or justification for a particular action, decision, or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While primarily found in news and media, science, and academic contexts, it serves to provide a credible explanation, often with the intent to persuade. When using the phrase, ensure that the rationale is well-supported by evidence and aligns with established principles to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "a valid justification for" or "a good reason for" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valid justification for

Emphasizes the legal or moral correctness of the rationale.

a sound basis for

Suggests a strong and reliable foundation for the rationale.

a good reason for

A simpler, more informal way to express the same idea.

a justifiable cause for

Highlights the defensibility of the reason.

a reasonable explanation for

Focuses on the logical coherence of the rationale.

an acceptable motive for

Considers the rationale from the perspective of whether it's permissible or satisfactory.

a defensible argument for

Highlights the aspect of defending a position with the rationale.

a well-founded ground for

Implies the rationale is based on solid evidence or principles.

an understandable reason for

Focuses on the rationale being easy to comprehend.

a compelling case for

Emphasizes the persuasive nature of the rationale.

FAQs

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

Use "a legitimate rationale for" when you want to explain or justify an action, decision, or belief with a valid and acceptable reason. For example, "The company had "a legitimate rationale for" restructuring its departments".

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

You can use alternatives like "a valid justification for", "a sound basis for", or "a good reason for" depending on the context.

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

It is appropriate to use "a legitimate rationale for" when you have a well-supported and justifiable reason that aligns with established principles or standards. It's best used in formal or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "a legitimate rationale for" and "a good reason for"?

"A legitimate rationale for" implies a more formal and well-reasoned justification, while "a good reason for" is a simpler and more general explanation.