a tenable justification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tenable justification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reason or explanation that is reasonable and defensible in a particular context. Example: "The committee found a tenable justification for the proposed changes to the policy, which satisfied most stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Under heightened scrutiny, "a tenable justification must describe actual state purposes, not rationalizations for actions in fact differently grounded".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is not a tenable future.

The Guardian - Tech

"This isn't a tenable position for you to take, in my view," Mr. Carnes wrote.

The New York Times

This is not a tenable arrangement for a commercial power station.

The Economist

But, he says, acceptance by society of atheism as a tenable position is growing.

The Economist

He added, "This is not a tenable policy for China or for the world economy".

The New York Times

But he still had a tenable position until he played 21... f5; 21... g6 would have been better.

The New York Times

The first hint I had that this was no longer a tenable pose -- and would not be a tenable pose for me -- came from a man I had never met called Morris Bart.

The New York Times - Magazine

But locker-room humour cannot explain all Roman erotica – if indeed "Roman erotica" is a tenable category.

The Guardian

For the outside world, Chinese officials this year offer a tenable excuse: the protests, they say, threatened China's stability.

The New York Times

Clegg and Osborne now have nine months ahead of a spending review to achieve a tenable compromise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tenable justification", ensure that the context provides enough information for the justification to be understood and assessed for its validity.

Common error

Avoid presenting a flimsy or unsupported reason as "a tenable justification". Ensure the justification has actual substance and can withstand scrutiny.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tenable justification" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'tenable' modifies the noun 'justification'. It indicates that the justification is reasonable, defensible, or able to be maintained. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tenable justification" is a phrase used to describe a rationale that is reasonable, defensible, and capable of being maintained. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's correct and appropriate for use in written English. While relatively rare, the phrase appears in news media, scientific, and formal business contexts, suggesting a formal or neutral register. Consider alternatives such as "a defensible rationale" or "a credible reason" depending on the nuance you want to convey. When employing this phrase, make sure that the justification is truly supportable and can withstand scrutiny to avoid weakening its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a defensible rationale

Emphasizes the ability to defend the reason provided.

a supportable explanation

Highlights that the explanation can be backed up with evidence.

a credible reason

Focuses on the believability and trustworthiness of the reason.

a plausible argument

Stresses that the justification is believable and could be true.

a sound basis

Indicates that the justification is built on a solid foundation.

a valid excuse

Suggests the justification serves to mitigate blame or responsibility.

a legitimate defense

Implies the justification is legally or officially recognized.

a reasonable ground

Highlights that the justification is fair and sensible.

a justifiable cause

Emphasizes that the reason can be morally defended.

a well-founded pretext

Suggests the justification has a strong basis in reality.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tenable justification" to explain why a decision, action, or belief is reasonable or defensible. For example, "The company provided "a tenable justification" for the price increase, citing rising raw material costs."

What are some alternatives to "a tenable justification"?

Alternatives to "a tenable justification" include "a defensible rationale", "a credible reason", or "a plausible argument", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a justification "tenable"?

A justification is "tenable" if it is reasonable, defensible, and capable of being maintained or upheld under scrutiny. It implies that the justification has a solid basis and can withstand challenges.

Is "a tenable justification" formal or informal language?

"A tenable justification" is considered formal language, suitable for professional, academic, or official contexts where clear and reasoned explanations are necessary.