an adequate justification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an adequate justification" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing whether a reason or explanation is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular situation or decision. Example: "The committee found that the applicant did not provide an adequate justification for their request for funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But it struck down the F.C.C. regulations on the ground that the agency had failed to provide an adequate justification for them consistent with the First Amendment.

The New York Times

The three-judge panel concluded that the commission had failed to provide an adequate justification to overcome the First Amendment rights of the cable companies.

The New York Times

This fear may be valid, but it is not an adequate justification for continuing to use chemicals that may seriously disrupt pollinator health.

University of California, Berkeley

"All the other kids are doing it"—meaning other sports leagues— wasn't an adequate justification for a player pay cut, writes Bruce Arthur of Canada's National Post.

Harvard University

As much as I like to see my home value go up, I do not consider this an adequate justification for the proposed system.

The Washington Post

"The substantial risk of putting an innocent man to death," Justice Stevens wrote in a concurrence joined by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen G. Breyer, "clearly provides an adequate justification for holding an evidentiary hearing".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Many people, including those who do not take a consequentialist view of other matters, think that any adequate justification of punishment must be basically consequentialist.

SEP

You ask rhetorically, "Why should India and China make major sacrifices while the United States, in effect, gets a free ride?" But turn that question around: "Why should the United States make major sacrifices while China and India get a free ride?" That provides an equally adequate justification for the United States not to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.

The New York Times

The federal appeals courts are divided on whether the quest for diversity is a constitutionally adequate justification for racial preferences.

The New York Times

lawyer who argued the appeal, said he was pleased with the decision and its finding "that in this case the government simply has not offered a constitutionally adequate justification for its actions".

The New York Times

And for that matter, bystanders who could not have been affected in any way by what is done but who are aware that some individual is choosing some act or omission should also be able to discern a fully adequate justification for what is done.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "an adequate justification" as a vague placeholder; always provide concrete details to support the justification.

Common error

Don't assume that what seems like "an adequate justification" to you will be perceived the same way by others. Always consider your audience's perspective and potential counterarguments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an adequate justification" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a reason or explanation that meets the required standard or level of acceptability. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

23%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an adequate justification" is a noun phrase used to describe a reason or explanation that meets a specific standard or requirement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. To ensure effective communication, it's crucial to provide concrete details and consider the audience's perspective when offering a justification. Alternatives include "a sufficient rationale" or "a valid explanation", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sufficient rationale

Emphasizes the logical basis or reasoning behind something, similar to justification but highlighting the thought process.

a valid explanation

Focuses on the clarity and soundness of the reason provided, suggesting it is acceptable and convincing.

a reasonable ground

Indicates that the basis for something is sensible and not excessive or unwarranted.

a compelling reason

Highlights the persuasiveness and forcefulness of the reason given, making it difficult to dismiss.

a satisfactory basis

Suggests that the reason is sufficient to meet a certain requirement or expectation.

a tenable argument

Emphasizes that the argument is defensible and can be maintained against opposition.

a sound basis

Focuses on the reliability and strength of the reason, implying it is well-founded.

a convincing rationale

Highlights the ability of the rationale to persuade someone of its validity.

a defensible position

Indicates that the stance taken can be justified and protected from criticism.

a legitimate excuse

Suggests that the reason provided is lawful or permissible, making the action acceptable.

FAQs

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

You can use "an adequate justification" to explain why a decision was made or why a particular action was taken. For example, "The court ruled that the company did not provide "an adequate justification" for the dismissal."

What are some alternatives to "an adequate justification"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a sufficient rationale", "a valid explanation", or "a reasonable ground".

Is it better to say "adequate justification" or "sufficient justification"?

"Adequate" and "sufficient" are often interchangeable. However, "adequate justification" might imply meeting a minimum requirement, while "sufficient justification" suggests more than enough reason.

What's the difference between "an adequate justification" and "a valid reason"?

While both suggest a reason for something, "an adequate justification" implies a more formal or scrutinized explanation, whereas "a valid reason" may be used in more general contexts.