a rationale for doing something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rationale for doing something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the reasoning or justification behind a particular action or decision. Example: "The report provides a clear rationale for doing something about climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"And it's a misplaced definition of patriotism to use Sept. 11 as a rationale for doing something that has no impact on price or dependency or immediate supply".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Senior management loves to see someone who can walk into their office or a major meeting and present a solid rationale for doing something.

Huffington Post

"Victim-blaming becomes a rationale for doing nothing to protect cyclists from drivers," Mr. Komanoff said.

The New York Times

In our own interviews with UK phytosterol users (Weiner, 2011), in addition to responding to specific prompts such as cholesterol test results or reacting to a perceived family history of heart disease, we identify a number of other rationales for buying or eating these products including general health consciousness, a sense of doing something good for oneself or habit.

BioSocieties

In virtually every human society, "He hit me first" provides an acceptable rationale for doing that which is otherwise forbidden.

The New York Times

"There is a lot of rationale for doing this," Mr. Winebaum said.

The New York Times

SBML does not provide a script for analyzing, simulating or otherwise doing something with the model.

BMC Biology

And if that isn't the rationale, what is? Alsup quoted Trump's tweets proclaiming his interest in doing something for the Dreamers.

The New Yorker

Robert Young offers a possible rationale for this point of view in more abstract terms: Those who conceive of morality exclusively, or a least predominantly, within a traditional (deontological) framework claim, that doing something harmful is intrinsically morally wrong – that is, is morally wrong in itself, regardless of any good consequences it may produce.

Bioethics

The D.H.S. had simply changed its rationale for doing so.

The New Yorker

Its rationale for doing so protecting the public is ludicrous.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "a rationale for doing something" with a concise explanation of why the rationale is important or relevant in the given context.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance or impact of the rationale. Present a balanced view, acknowledging potential limitations or alternative perspectives to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rationale for doing something" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the explanation or justification behind an action. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It typically serves to present the logical basis or reasoning that supports a particular action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rationale for doing something" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that introduces the reasoning behind an action. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and academic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the logical basis for decisions or actions. When employing this phrase, ensure the rationale is clear, logical, and well-supported with evidence to enhance its persuasive impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a justification for action

Replaces "rationale" with "justification" and "doing something" with "action", focusing on the act of justifying.

a reason for taking action

Substitutes "rationale" with "reason" and emphasizes the action being taken.

a basis for proceeding

Replaces "rationale" with "basis" and "doing something" with "proceeding", suggesting a foundation for moving forward.

a valid explanation for action

Emphasizes the validity of the explanation behind an action.

grounds for undertaking something

Uses "grounds" instead of "rationale", implying a foundation or reason for undertaking a task.

a motivation for acting

Focuses on the motivational aspect behind taking action, replacing "rationale" with "motivation".

the reasoning behind an action

Highlights the thought process and logic used to justify an action.

a purpose for engaging in activity

Emphasizes the intention and objective behind engaging in a specific activity.

a cause for initiating something

Focuses on the cause or reason that leads to the initiation of an action.

a justification for commencing an activity

Stresses the justification for starting or commencing a particular activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rationale for doing something" to introduce the reasoning or justification behind an action. For example, "The study provides "a rationale for doing something" about climate change by highlighting its long-term consequences".

What are some alternatives to "a rationale for doing something"?

Alternatives include "a justification for action", "a reason for taking action", or "a basis for proceeding", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a rationale for doing something" and "a reason for doing something"?

While both terms are similar, "rationale" often implies a more formal or structured explanation than "reason". "Rationale" suggests a deliberate and logical justification, whereas "reason" can be more informal or intuitive.

Is it better to use "rationale" or "justification" in "a rationale/justification for doing something"?

The choice between "rationale" and "justification" depends on the context. "Rationale" is suited for explaining the underlying logic, while "justification" emphasizes the act of defending or showing something to be right or reasonable.