a rightful reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rightful reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a justification or rationale that is considered valid or deserved. Example: "She had a rightful reason to be upset after the unfair treatment she received at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He didn't want to be around people, but they called it paranoia, they called it a mental illness but he had a rightful reason… his mental illness is due to jail".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There are many rightful reasons for despair at the referendum result.

The Guardian

The Beeb is for some reason selling this not as a rightful triumph in inveigling such a knowledgeable man to let us into his kitchen, but as the vanguard programme for a new kind of on-screen barcode, looks like a Rorschach test done by the painted feet of bunnies on PCP.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However, legally speaking, if Whitney were a rightful co-founder who was stripped of that title without reason or cause, then Tinder could be in for a world of hurt.

TechCrunch

Every time there's a wrongful conviction, the state loses a chance at a "rightful" conviction.

The New York Times

But if Nowitzki isn't a rightful All-Star, then who is?

The New York Times

Some economists still debate whether the field deserves a rightful place within the economics discipline.

The New York Times

The Oxford Dictionaries have a rightful authority and a leading place in cultural life.

The Guardian - Books

RT covered the action as a rightful reunification move, echoing Mr. Putin.

The New York Times

At the intimate Schoolhouse, the play has found a rightful home.

The New York Times

Is there a rightful place for man-in-nature rather than man-against-nature?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rightful reason" when you want to emphasize that the reason is not only valid but also morally or legally justified. This adds weight to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a rightful reason" when you mean a morally superior or self-approving reason. "Rightful" refers to what is justly claimed or deserved, while "righteous" implies moral virtue or superiority. Use "a righteous reason" if you aim to convey moral high ground, but ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rightful reason" functions as a noun phrase, where "rightful" modifies the noun "reason". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and is used to describe a justification that is considered valid or deserved.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a rightful reason" is used to denote a justification that is considered legitimate, valid, and often morally or legally sound. While grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare in occurrence. Its function is to provide a strong, defensible explanation for actions or beliefs. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the emphasis on legitimacy and that it is not confused with terms like "righteous". Consider alternatives such as "a justifiable cause" or "a valid explanation" to tailor your writing to the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rightful justification

Highlights the reason's rightfulness or validity.

a justifiable cause

Emphasizes the acceptability and defensibility of the reason.

a valid explanation

Focuses on the reason being logical and well-founded.

a legitimate rationale

Highlights the reason's compliance with rules or standards.

a well-founded motive

Stresses the reason's strong basis in fact or evidence.

a warranted excuse

Implies the reason provides sufficient justification for an action.

a valid motive

Replaces the noun 'reason' with 'motive'.

a deserved justification

Highlights that the reason is merited and appropriate.

a principled ground

Emphasizes that the reason is based on moral or ethical beliefs.

a good reason

Replaces 'rightful' with a more general term for validity.

FAQs

What does "a rightful reason" mean?

The phrase "a rightful reason" refers to a justification or rationale that is considered valid, deserved, or legally sound. It implies that there is a legitimate basis for the reason being presented.

When is it appropriate to use "a rightful reason" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a rightful reason" when you want to emphasize that the reason behind an action or belief is not only valid but also morally or legally justified. This adds weight to your argument or explanation.

What are some alternatives to "a rightful reason"?

You can use alternatives such as "a justifiable cause", "a valid explanation", or "a legitimate rationale" depending on the context.

Is "a rightful reason" the same as "a good reason"?

While both phrases indicate a valid justification, "a rightful reason" suggests a stronger sense of legitimacy, often implying a moral or legal basis. "A good reason" is more general and simply means the reason is adequate or sufficient.