a rationale for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a rationale for" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to explain the reasoning behind a decision or action. Here are two examples: 1. "The company provided a rationale for their decision to lay off employees, citing financial difficulties and a need to restructure." 2. "The author's introduction provided a clear rationale for the inclusion of certain case studies in the research paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not exactly a rationale for an apology.

The New York Times

No one has a rationale for this".

The New York Times

Kennedy had yet to establish a rationale for his candidacy.

The New Yorker

To him, the Holocaust became a rationale for Jewish survival.

The New York Times

(Which is also a rationale for that high price).

The New York Times - Magazine

Sharon has accepted a rationale for removing settlements.

The New Yorker

There is clearly a rationale for both processes.

The Guardian

He also offered a rationale for the killing.

The New York Times

Failure could offer a rationale for military strikes.

The New York Times

Used as a rationale for invasion, the plight of women's rights is increasingly an embarrassing failure.

The Guardian

It means that personal choice could replace economic necessity as a rationale for family decisions.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rationale for", ensure that the reason provided is clear, logical, and directly relevant to the action or decision being explained. Avoid vague or circular reasoning.

Common error

Avoid making the rationale overly complex or convoluted. A strong rationale should be easy to understand and directly address the core reasons behind the decision or action. Stick to essential points and avoid unnecessary jargon or convoluted language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rationale for" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the reason or justification behind something. It connects an action, decision, or belief to its underlying logic, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rationale for" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that introduces the reasoning or justification behind a decision, action, or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It's particularly prevalent in formal writing, academic papers, business reports and news media, as well as encyclopedias, emphasizing the importance of clear and logical explanations. When using this phrase, ensure the rationale is easily understood and directly relevant to the topic at hand. Common errors include overcomplicating the rationale, so it's best to keep it concise and focused. Alternatives include "a justification for" or "a reason for", depending on the desired level of formality and specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a justification for

Focuses on defending the validity or rightness of an action or belief.

a reason for

A more general term indicating the cause or explanation for something.

an explanation for

Highlights the act of making something clear and understandable.

a basis for

Suggests a foundation or underlying support for an idea or action.

a ground for

Implies a valid or legitimate reason, often in legal or formal contexts.

a motive for

Highlights the driving force or intention behind an action.

a purpose for

Emphasizes the intended aim or objective.

a cause for

Indicates the origin or reason why something happened.

a defense for

Focuses on arguing in favor of something to protect it from criticism.

an argument for

Presents a set of reasons in support of a conclusion or action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rationale for" to introduce the reasoning or justification behind a decision, action, or belief. For example, "The company provided "a rationale for" their new policy."

What are some alternatives to "a rationale for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a justification for", "a reason for", or "an explanation for", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a reason for" and "a rationale for"?

While similar, "rationale" often implies a more formal, structured, and logical explanation than "reason". A "reason" can be a simple cause, while "a rationale" suggests a well-thought-out justification.

When is it appropriate to use "a rationale for" in writing?

"A rationale for" is suitable in formal writing, academic papers, business reports, and any context where a clear and reasoned explanation is required. It emphasizes the logical basis for a decision or action.