a rational basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rational basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the justification or reasoning behind a decision, policy, or belief that is logical and reasonable. Example: "The court found that there was a rational basis for the law, which aimed to promote public safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we need a rational basis for these decisions".

The New York Times

By pinpointing what goes wrong, their finding may provide a rational basis for devising new treatments.

The New York Times

If Congress had a "rational basis" for its laws, the Court would affirm them.

The New Yorker

Judge Vaughn Walker applied a rational basis test to Prop 8 and struck it down.

The New Yorker

That's the hope, at least, and it has a rational basis.

The New York Times

Less worrisome types of discrimination need only be justified by a "rational basis".

The Economist

The first is the refusal by militant atheists to admit that there is a rational basis for theistic belief.

The New York Times

But the sufficiency of the evidence before Congress to provide a rational basis for the finding cannot seriously be questioned.

The New York Times

He said New York law allowed them to sue if they had "a rational basis" for their fear.

The New York Times

This document is short and inadequate to its stated task: providing a rational basis for a highly suspect executive decision.

The New Yorker

"A bare desire to harm a politically unpopular group cannot provide a rational basis for governmental discrimination," Judge Reinhardt wrote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rational basis" in legal or policy contexts, ensure the stated basis is clearly articulated and directly relevant to the issue at hand. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "a rational basis" to justify decisions that are primarily driven by emotion or bias. Ensure the stated reason reflects genuine logical reasoning and isn't just a post-hoc rationalization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rational basis" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the logical or justifiable foundation upon which a decision, belief, or action is predicated. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rational basis" is a frequently used noun phrase that signifies a logical or justifiable foundation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and legal domains, emphasizing the importance of reasoned explanations and justifications. When using this phrase, ensure the basis is clearly articulated and genuinely logical, avoiding post-hoc rationalizations. Alternatives such as ""a logical foundation"" or ""a reasonable justification"" can be used to express similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a logical foundation

Focuses on the underlying logic, implying a structured and reasoned approach.

a reasonable justification

Emphasizes the acceptability and appropriateness of the reasoning.

a sound rationale

Highlights the solidity and validity of the reasoning behind an action or decision.

a valid argument

Presents the reasoning as a formal argument with clear premises and conclusions.

a justifiable reason

Underscores the defensibility and moral acceptability of the explanation.

a well-founded explanation

Highlights that the explanation is based on solid evidence and reasoning.

a cogent argument

Implies a clear, logical, and persuasive argument.

a defensible position

Suggests a stance that can be supported with evidence and reasoning, especially against criticism.

an understandable explanation

Emphasizes the clarity and comprehensibility of the reasoning.

an evidence-based rationale

Stresses that the rationale is supported by empirical evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "a rational basis" in a sentence?

Use "a rational basis" to describe a logical justification or reason for a decision, belief, or action. For example: "The judge determined that there was "a rational basis" for the law."

What phrases can I use instead of "a rational basis"?

You can use alternatives such as "a logical foundation", "a reasonable justification", or "a sound rationale" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to have "a rational basis" for decisions?

While having "a rational basis" is often desirable, especially in formal settings like law or policy, not all decisions require explicit logical justification. Some decisions can be based on intuition or personal preference, though these may be less defensible in certain contexts.

What distinguishes "a rational basis" from "a reasonable basis"?

While similar, "a rational basis" often implies a more structured and logical approach, while "a reasonable basis" suggests something that is fair and acceptable under the circumstances. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize logic or fairness.