a primary rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main reason or justification for a particular action, decision, or belief. Example: "The project's success can be attributed to a primary rationale of improving community engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Similarly, instructors' discussions about assessments (e.g., topics that would be covered) served as a primary rationale for some students to attend class.

International Journal of STEM Education

This is not the case: Bank regulators have long viewed the containment of systemic risk as a primary rationale for capital requirements.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Policy makers and practitioners noted that epidemiological evidence was used to determine the nature and scope of a problem and for surveillance purposes: 'Epidemiology or prevalence data provided a map or primary rationale for working in the setting' (P/SM).

Health Research Policy and Systems

The primary rationale for an age of majority is then to categorically define the point when a child is capable of making informed decisions, such as the ability to consent to research.

BMC Palliative Care

And while most states use isolation as a penalty for specific disciplinary violations (albeit in New York sometimes very trivial ones), California makes gang affiliation the primary rationale for isolation on a long-term or permanent basis.

University of California, Berkeley

Her primary rationale, she said, was to open a door for families of retired players who do not yet qualify for the 88 Plan to receive guaranteed care, rather than reimbursed costs.

The New York Times - Sports

The primary rationale for this recommendation comes from a randomized, controlled, single-center study demonstrating that early quantitative resuscitation improved survival for emergency department patients presenting with septic shock [ 2].

Critical Care

The primary rationale for the snowy outlook is that an El Niño event is expected to develop, and, on average, more snow falls during El Niño in Washington than during its opposite phase, La Niña.

The Washington Post

Mark R. Freeman, chief investment officer at the Westwood Holdings Group, notes that the primary rationale for rebalancing is to manage the overall risk of a portfolio.

The New York Times

Today, the primary rationale for keeping Guantánamo open is to maintain the detention camp, a sorry justification if ever there was one.

The New Yorker

A 2008 American Hospital Association survey found that 84percentt of hospitals reported patient demand as the primary rationale in offering complementary medicine services, including Reiki.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a primary rationale", ensure that it clearly and directly supports your argument or explanation. Avoid burying the rationale within complex or ambiguous phrasing.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a primary rationale" as the only rationale when other contributing factors are present. Acknowledge any secondary rationales to maintain credibility and provide a more complete picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary rationale" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies or describes the main reason or justification for something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a primary rationale" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase, suitable for conveying the main reason or justification behind something. While not exceptionally common, as shown by Ludwig's example count, it appears across various contexts including science, news media, and academia, and the Ludwig AI confirms it's a good choice. When using this phrase, ensure the rationale is clearly stated and supports your argument effectively. Be mindful not to overstate it as the only rationale if other factors are present. Alternatives such as "a main reason" or "a key justification" can be considered for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a main reason

Focuses on the reason being the main one, simplifying the phrasing.

a key reason

Emphasizes the importance of the reason.

a central justification

Highlights that the justification is central to the argument.

a chief motive

Replaces 'rationale' with 'motive', focusing on the underlying reason.

the principal cause

Focuses on the causal aspect as the most important.

the driving force

Implies a more dynamic and compelling reason.

the fundamental basis

Highlights the underlying foundation for something.

the foremost incentive

Shifts the focus to the incentive being the most important.

the overriding consideration

Suggests a reason that takes precedence over others.

the underlying principle

Emphasizes the foundational idea behind a decision or action.

FAQs

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

Use "a primary rationale" to introduce the main reason or justification for something. For example, "The "primary rationale" for this decision is to improve efficiency."

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

"A primary rationale" is the main reason, while "a secondary rationale" is a less important, supporting reason. Recognizing both provides a fuller understanding of the situation.

What are some alternatives to "a primary rationale"?

You can use alternatives like "a main reason", "a key justification", or "a central argument depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a primary rationale" is suitable for formal writing, including academic papers, business reports, and legal documents. It clearly conveys the main reason behind an action or decision.