a substantial justification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial justification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need for a significant reason or rationale for a decision, action, or belief. Example: "The committee required a substantial justification for the proposed changes to the policy before moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Forcing citizens to endure that sort of hardship for a chance to see their government at work would seem to require a substantial justification.

The New York Times

(Even then, though, the Supreme Court has since determined that even the government can limit both the content of speech and the ability to engage in speech as long as the government has a "substantial justification").. Ok.

Huffington Post

The work justifying the use of Fick's second law of diffusion went to a substantial justification and it is well motivated and explained.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It will do this despite the fact that it has, thus far, been unable to come up with any substantial justification — real or imagined — for this position.

The New Yorker

And, the Manchester group pointed out, the public's pessimism about cancer had a "very substantial justification," for "over all the cancers taken together, death is still a much more common outcome than cure, and the manner of death is, by and large, often as distressing as can be".

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

But when the discrimination is based on race, sex or religion, the courts generally require a more substantial justification.

The New York Times

Likewise no one cares to admit that there is substantial justification for skepticism of a monthly unemployment rate that does not account for record low labor participation.

Huffington Post

In this case study there is also a substantial moral justification for torture, albeit one that many moral absolutists do not find compelling.

SEP

In this case study torture of the car thief can be provided with a substantial moral justification, even if it does not convince everyone.

SEP

The significant increase in the proportion of children brushing these surfaces (32.1%to87%7%, a 2.7 ratio increase), after the present program, supplied substantial justification for the present approach.

BMC Oral Health

A brief and focused research effort could solidify the already substantial justification for such permissive nicotine regulation.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial justification", ensure that the reason provided is genuinely significant and well-supported by evidence or logical reasoning. Avoid using it for trivial matters.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial justification" when the reason is weak or superficial. This can undermine your credibility and make your argument appear less convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial justification" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant reason or rationale. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as demonstrated in its usage within legal, scientific, and journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Science & Research

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantial justification" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that serves to denote a significant or compelling reason. Ludwig AI indicates it is appropriate across various domains, especially News & Media and Science. While not exceedingly common, it is recognized and employed by authoritative sources like The New York Times, indicating its validity. When employing this phrase, prioritize clarity and ensure that the accompanying justification is indeed significant and well-supported. Consider alternatives like "a compelling reason" or "a significant rationale" to suit the nuance of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable rationale

Replaces "substantial" with "considerable", suggesting a notable amount of reasoning.

a significant reason

Replaces "justification" with "reason", focusing on the cause or explanation.

a weighty rationale

Substitutes "substantial" with "weighty", implying importance and influence.

a powerful rationale

Replaces "substantial" with "powerful", indicating a strong and convincing explanation.

a compelling reason

Replaces "justification" with "reason" and "substantial" with "compelling", suggesting a convincing and persuasive explanation.

a strong case

Offers an alternative by using the idiomatic expression "strong case", indicating a convincing set of arguments or evidence.

a sound basis

Replaces the whole phrase with "sound basis", which means a solid and reliable foundation or justification.

a legitimate ground

Replaces the whole phrase with "legitimate ground", implying valid and acceptable reasons.

sufficient grounds

Focuses on the adequacy of the reasons provided.

adequate grounds

Emphasizes that the reasons are satisfactory and acceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "a substantial justification" in a sentence?

You can use "a substantial justification" to indicate that there is a strong, well-supported reason for a particular action or decision. For example, "The committee required "a substantial justification" for the proposed changes to the policy before moving forward".

What are some alternatives to "a substantial justification"?

Alternatives include "a compelling reason", "a significant rationale", or "a strong case". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very substantial justification"?

While not strictly incorrect, using "very substantial" might be seen as slightly redundant. "Substantial" already implies a significant degree. Consider using alternatives or rephrasing for emphasis if needed.

When is it appropriate to demand "a substantial justification"?

It is appropriate to demand "a substantial justification" when an action or decision has significant consequences or deviates from established norms or procedures. This ensures accountability and transparency.