an acceptable justification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an acceptable justification" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing reasons or explanations that are deemed satisfactory or reasonable in a particular context. Example: "The committee found that the reasons provided for the delay were not an acceptable justification for missing the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It held that Zionist ideology is not an acceptable justification for seizing occupied lands.

The New York Times

"I thought he was a terrorist," is an acceptable justification for shooting people in terror-stricken places.

The Guardian

They said that although during a political campaign some might support limits on the speech of those considered "too powerful," this was not an acceptable "justification for withholding First Amendment rights from any group—labor or corporate".

The New Yorker

They said that although during a political campaign some might support limits on the speech of those considered "too powerful," this was not an acceptable "justification for withholding First Amendment rights from any group — labor or corporate".

The New Yorker

The exponential Arrhenius expression was used as the basis for this correlation, but it did not provide an acceptable justification about the physics of deposition.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

However, his professional background as a neurosurgeon may be considered an acceptable justification for his dietary choices.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In the absence of a more substantial showing as to Los Angeles' actual experience with the distribution of obnoxious handbills, * such a generality is for me too remote to furnish a constitutionally acceptable justification for the deterrent effect on free speech which this all-embracing ordinance is likely to have.

Cornell University

Simply because a close friend or family member raves about a novelty egg separator doesn't mean it has a place in your life -- and that fact is perfectly acceptable justification for finding the item a new owner who will put it to good use, Dewkett contends.

HuffPost

In his report on the disturbances, Lord Cameron remarked that "for such conduct among members of a disciplined and well-led force there can be no acceptable justification or excuse" and added that "its effect in rousing passions and inspiring hostility towards the police was regrettably great".

Wikipedia

Attacking Israelis is self-defense, which, according to the Koran, is the only acceptable justification for fighting.

The New York Times

It is an irony that while in his philosophy Khayyam offers a rational explanation for the existence of evil, in his Rubā'iyyāt he strongly condemns the presence of evil and finds no acceptable justification for its presence.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an acceptable justification", ensure that the context clearly defines what criteria make the justification "acceptable". Be specific about the standards or rules being applied.

Common error

Avoid using "an acceptable justification" without providing specific details. Vague or general justifications can be easily challenged. Instead, provide concrete evidence and clear reasoning to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an acceptable justification" functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It describes a rationale or explanation that meets a certain threshold of validity or permissibility, as evidenced by the Ludwig AI examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an acceptable justification" denotes a reason or explanation that meets a certain standard of validity or permissibility. While grammatically correct, its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in News & Media and Science contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, and it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying the criteria for "acceptability" within the context. Alternatives such as "a valid reason" or "a reasonable explanation" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. When employing this phrase, providing concrete details is vital to prevent challenges to the justification's validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valid reason

Focuses on the reason being logically sound and defensible, rather than just permissible.

a reasonable explanation

Emphasizes the clarity and understandability of the reason provided.

a legitimate excuse

Highlights the lawfulness and validity of the reason offered as a defense.

a satisfactory rationale

Stresses that the reason is good enough to fulfill the requirements

an adequate basis

Suggests that the reason sufficiently supports a claim or action.

a permissible ground

Implies the reason is within the allowed limits or rules.

a defensible argument

Highlights that the reason is logically and factually strong.

a supportable claim

Focuses on the reason being backed by evidence or logic.

a tenable position

Suggests the reason can be maintained or defended against opposition.

a plausible account

Indicates the reason is believable and likely to be true.

FAQs

How can I use "an acceptable justification" in a sentence?

You can use "an acceptable justification" to describe a reason or explanation that is considered valid or satisfactory in a given context. For example, "His professional background was considered "an acceptable justification" for his dietary choices."

What are some alternatives to "an acceptable justification"?

Some alternatives to "an acceptable justification" include "a valid reason", "a reasonable explanation", or "a legitimate excuse", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "an acceptable justification" or "a justifiable reason"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "An acceptable justification" focuses on whether the reason is deemed satisfactory, while "a justifiable reason" emphasizes whether the reason can be defended or supported.

What makes a justification "acceptable"?

What makes a justification "acceptable" depends on the context. Generally, it means the reason aligns with established rules, standards, or expectations within that specific situation.