a single rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific reason or explanation for a decision or action. Example: "The committee decided to proceed with the project based on a single rationale: the potential for significant community benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In neither case did the five justices in the majority fully agree on a single rationale.

The New York Times

The court, and Roberts in particular, has been very clear that regulation of campaign contributions is allowed under a single rationale.

The New Yorker

As Carpenter recounts, the attempts of the Harris County district attorney, Chuck Rosenthal, to articulate a single rationale for the law became painful to watch.

The New Yorker

With a 6-to-3 vote but lacking a single rationale that could command a majority, the court stepped cautiously and appeared intent on avoiding a one-size-fits-all constitutional prescription for a world of rapidly changing family dynamics.

The New York Times

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet The court, and Roberts in particular, has been very clear that regulation of campaign contributions is allowed under a single rationale.

The New Yorker

However, the six justices in the majority could not agree on a single rationale for the decision.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

(1) No single rationale commanded a majority in Bazzle, which concerned contracts between a commercial lender and its customers that had an arbitration clause that did not expressly mention class arbitration.

Cornell University

Some studies have evaluated the combination of IRI, l-OHP and FU concurrently in a single regimen, the rationale being that nonspecific resistance to therapy may develop after first-line therapy.

British Journal of Cancer

The most ideologically committed settlers -- the very ones who live in the fringe settlements Mr. Sharon wants to evacuate, rather than in the sprawling, bedroom communities he wants to keep -- view leaving a single settlement as shattering the rationale for retaining any.

The New York Times

When our illumination comes from electricity by wire and our heating from natural gas, electricity or steam produced in an apartment building boiler that is at a remove from our households, there really is no rationale for a single spring purge.

The New York Times

But Iran delayed for months, and the figures contained in the inspectors' report on Monday indicated that even if Iran now shipped the agreed-upon amount of nuclear material out of the country, it would retain enough for a single weapon, undercutting the American rationale for the deal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single rationale" when you want to emphasize that there is one clear and primary reason for a decision or action, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a single rationale" if multiple factors contribute significantly to a decision. In such cases, it's more accurate to discuss "multiple rationales" or "a combination of factors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single rationale" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in explaining decisions, actions, or beliefs, providing a clear and concise justification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single rationale" is a noun phrase used to emphasize that there is one clear and primary reason for a decision, action, or belief. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. While the phrase sees usage across general news, scientific research, and collaborative wiki-based resources, it's usage is mostly uncommon. When using this phrase, ensure that you're highlighting the main reason, and that other contributing causes are considered secondary. Alternative phrases include "one justification" and "a sole reason".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one justification

Replaces "rationale" with a synonym, maintaining the singular aspect.

a sole reason

Substitutes "rationale" with "reason" and "single" with "sole" for emphasis.

the only explanation

Shifts the focus to explaining, implying a unique explanation exists.

a unique ground

Replaces "rationale" with "ground", suggesting a foundation or basis.

a solitary motive

Focuses on the motivation behind an action, using "solitary" to emphasize singleness.

a primary reason

Highlights the main reason, though it doesn't exclude other contributing factors.

a key consideration

Emphasizes the importance of a single factor in decision-making.

a fundamental premise

Highlights the underlying assumption as the primary rationale.

a decisive factor

Indicates that one particular element was the deciding influence.

the driving force

Emphasizes the active role of the rationale in initiating action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single rationale" to highlight the primary reason for a decision or action. For example, "The company's decision was based on "a single rationale": to increase market share".

What are some alternatives to "a single rationale"?

Alternatives include "one justification", "a sole reason", or "the only explanation", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a single rationale"?

Use "a single rationale" when you want to emphasize that there is one clear and primary reason for a decision or action, and that other potential reasons are secondary or irrelevant.

Is "a single rationale" more formal than "one reason"?

Yes, "a single rationale" tends to be more formal than "one reason". "Rationale" itself is a more formal term than "reason", making the entire phrase suitable for professional or academic contexts.