a reasonable justification for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable justification for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the rationale or reasoning behind a decision, action, or belief. Example: "The committee provided a reasonable justification for their decision to increase the budget for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Sometimes there will be a reasonable justification for that happening, but sometimes there will not.

The Guardian

Now, Mr. Richard said, as long as the secretary of state has a reasonable justification for rejecting the hand counts -- as her office has tried to do for several days -- she can do so, and the final tabulation will soon be over.

The New York Times

Given this, the concern to preserve one's native culture seems to provide a reasonable justification for restricting immigration.

SEP

These properties are themselves a reasonable justification for the preference of utilization of these materials in the industrial sector.

Nanoscale Research Letters

For people who have never met Miguel or any of the other 800,000 Dreamers who will be affected if DACA is ultimately rescinded, Sessions' message may very well resonate and seem like a reasonable justification for this action.

Huffington Post

Finally, invoking the principle of double effect places this principle in jeopardy as a reasonable justification for many appropriate interventions in palliative care treatment; if this principle is brought into disrepute, it may be harmful to palliative care patients, society and the practice of medicine.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The UN's view is that "lack of available resources does not constitute an objective and reasonable justification for a failure to remove differential treatment", the watchdog's submission adds.

The Guardian

So, if Boyer got in — after Santo — that would be a reasonable justification.

The New York Times

"Down"—a track from Sun Ra is reasonable justification for his rapid rise.

Vice

It is crucial to point out that it is not necessarily unlawful to select on the basis of financial criteria, providing there is an objective and reasonable justification for doing so and that the means employed are proportionate.

The Guardian - Opinion

The new rules, which took effect Feb. 1, allow extensions if a claimant establishes "clear and reasonable justification" for missing the deadline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a reasonable justification for", ensure that the justification you provide is logical, well-supported by evidence, and addresses the core concerns related to the issue at hand.

Common error

Avoid presenting a justification as "reasonable" when it's clearly biased, based on limited information, or serves a specific agenda. An objective perspective enhances credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable justification for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or identifies the rationale behind an action, decision, or belief. It acts as a subject complement or object, offering an explanation that is deemed logical and acceptable, as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academic

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a reasonable justification for" is a grammatically correct and usable expression employed to introduce a rationale that is both logical and acceptable. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a formal or neutral register. Alternatives include "a valid rationale for" or "a sound explanation for". When using this phrase, ensure the justification is well-supported and objective. Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valid rationale for

Emphasizes the logical and well-founded nature of the reason.

a sound explanation for

Focuses on providing a clear and understandable account of the reason.

a legitimate reason for

Highlights the lawfulness and acceptability of the reason.

a plausible basis for

Stresses the believability and credibility of the reason.

a defensible argument for

Suggests that the reason can be supported and defended against criticism.

a convincing case for

Implies that the reason is persuasive and able to sway opinion.

an acceptable rationale for

Focuses on widespread agreement that a reason is sufficient.

a credible explanation for

Emphasizes the trustworthiness of the given rationale.

a justifiable cause for

Highlights that there exists proper evidence to legitimize an action or decision.

a substantive basis for

Implies that an action or belief has some degree of factuality or truth behind it.

FAQs

How can I use "a reasonable justification for" in a sentence?

You can use "a reasonable justification for" to introduce the reason why something is acceptable or understandable. For example, "The company provided "a reasonable justification for" the delay in the project's completion."

What are some alternatives to "a reasonable justification for"?

Alternatives include "a valid rationale for", "a sound explanation for", or "a legitimate reason for", depending on the context.

What distinguishes "a reasonable justification for" from "a good reason for"?

"A reasonable justification for" often implies a more thorough and logical explanation than "a good reason for". "Good reason" can be more subjective, while "reasonable justification" suggests objective criteria and evidence.

Is it always necessary to provide "a reasonable justification for" decisions?

While not always mandatory, providing "a reasonable justification for" decisions, especially those impacting others, builds trust and demonstrates transparency. It helps others understand the rationale behind the decision-making process.