a primary justification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary justification" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the main reason or rationale behind a decision, action, or belief. Example: "The study provided a primary justification for the new policy changes, highlighting the need for improved efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mr. Launius said spinoffs should not be viewed as a primary justification for the space program.

The New York Times

By the 19th century, many historians agree, the belief that African-Americans were descendants of Ham was a primary justification for slavery among Southern Christians.

The New York Times - Arts

Two weeks ago, Mr. Bush cited Iran as a primary justification in his announcement that he would halt further withdrawals of American troops in Iraq after the level reaches 140,000 this summer.

The New York Times

Indeed, parts of the memo support the much stronger case presented by Bush administration officials who have repeatedly cited the ties as a threat to the United States and as a primary justification for the American invasion of Iraq.

The New York Times

The law has been described by Taiwanese officials as a threat to the status quo and, indeed, a primary justification for Mr Chen's decision.A bigger worry for Chinese leaders is that Mr Chen might renege on other pledges not to amend the island's constitution.

The Economist

A primary justification for purchasing the thermal cameras was their capability to automatically detect activity that is, alarm based on temperature changes.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Jeffrie Murphy (2007: 11) adds a note of qualification, writing: "[A] retributivist is a person who believes that the primary justification for punishing a criminal is that the criminal deserves it".

SEP

This was the primary justification for a big tax cut.

The New York Times

A year after giving the go-ahead for the invasion of Iraq, Mr. Bush made only a fleeting reference to the primary justification he had used -- Mr. Hussein's supposed possession of chemical and biological weapons and his efforts to acquire a nuclear bomb.

The New York Times

The primary justification is that a private company can be more efficient than a public one because of the capacity for an increased debt load, lower regulatory costs and diminished public scrutiny.

The New York Times

The primary justification for this was a military order drafted by Cheney and Addington in November 2001, which also created the Military Commissions.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a primary justification" in contexts where you need to emphasize the most important factor supporting a particular viewpoint or course of action.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a primary justification" as the only justification if there are other contributing factors. Overemphasizing a single justification can weaken your argument by ignoring other valid considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary justification" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the main reason or rationale behind a decision, action, or belief. As demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig, it's used to introduce the principal supporting argument or motive.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary justification" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for emphasizing the main reason behind a decision or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. While it is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, remember to ensure it accurately reflects the most significant reason without overstating its singularity. Alternatives such as "the main reason" or "the key rationale" can be used for variety. When writing, use "a primary justification" to clarify the core motive and avoid presenting it as the only factor if other considerations are relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main reason

Replaces "justification" with a simpler term, focusing on the cause.

the key rationale

Substitutes "primary" with "key" and "justification" with "rationale", adding a slightly more formal tone.

the principal cause

Replaces "justification" with "cause", focusing on the origin or source.

the foremost reason

Emphasizes the importance of the reason, similar to "primary".

the central argument

Shifts the focus to a formal argument or defense.

the fundamental basis

Highlights the foundational aspect of the justification.

the core motive

Focuses on the underlying motivation rather than the expressed justification.

the overriding concern

Emphasizes the most important concern that influences a decision.

the chief consideration

Highlights the main aspect considered when making a decision.

the underlying principle

Shifts focus to the basic rule or belief that supports a decision.

FAQs

How can I use "a primary justification" in a sentence?

Use "a primary justification" to introduce the main reason or rationale behind a decision, action, or belief. For example, "The study provided "a primary justification" for the new policy changes".

What are some alternatives to saying "a primary justification"?

You can use alternatives like "the main reason", "the key rationale", or "the principal cause" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a primary justification" in formal writing?

Yes, "a primary justification" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to clearly and directly state the main reason for something. Its formality is neutral and acceptable in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "a primary justification" and "a secondary justification"?

"A primary justification" refers to the most important or main reason, while "a secondary justification" refers to a less important, supporting reason. Use "a primary justification" to highlight the key rationale and "a secondary justification" for supplementary reasons.