are able to justify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are able to justify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capability or ability to provide reasons or explanations for a particular action, decision, or belief. Example: "The researchers are able to justify their findings with substantial evidence gathered during the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

bureucrats & private real-estate speculators are able to justify pulling them down.

The New Yorker

Presented with two opposing predictions, most people are able to justify the likelihood of either outcome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"At some point, the improvements in technology cost more than people are able to justify".

The New York Times

The Agency breaks international laws and breaks all code of ethics yet still they are able to justify it.

The Guardian

Truth is stranger than fiction, and therefore nonfiction writers are able to justify the most far-fetched events by the fact that they are in fact true.

The New York Times - Books

Deposits: The cost of providing a deposit as opposed to funding temporary accommodation is the biggest reason why we are able to justify providing a deposit, where required.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

They must be able to justify themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You actually have to be able to justify your decision.. . .

The Washington Post

"I just want to sell enough books to be able to justify continuing to write".

The New York Times - Magazine

You had to be able to justify what you wanted to do.

The New York Times - Sports

But even if it were, a number-cruncher might just be able to justify it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are able to justify", ensure the subject performing the justification and the object being justified are clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessively using "are able to justify" can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "can explain", "can defend", or "can rationalize" to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are able to justify" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the capacity or ability to provide reasons or explanations for something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. The examples show it being employed in various contexts to convey justification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

27%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are able to justify" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the capability to provide reasons or explanations for actions, decisions, or beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. While it is most prevalent in news and media, it also appears in scientific and academic writing. For stylistic variation, alternatives like "can explain", "can defend", and "can rationalize" can be used. When employing "are able to justify", clarity regarding the subject and object of justification is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can validate

Implies providing evidence or support to confirm the truth or accuracy of something.

can rationalize

Suggests finding a logical explanation, often to make an action seem more acceptable.

can defend

Indicates the ability to argue in favor of something, often against criticism.

can substantiate

Focuses on providing factual evidence to support a claim or action.

can explain

Highlights the ability to make something clear and understandable.

are in a position to prove

Highlights the ability to demonstrate the truth of something.

have grounds to assert

Implies having a legitimate basis for making a statement or claim.

can give reasons for

Focuses on the act of providing justifications or explanations.

have a valid argument for

Suggests possessing a sound and persuasive case.

can account for

Indicates being able to explain or provide a reason for something, often a discrepancy or unexpected outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "are able to justify" in a sentence?

You can use "are able to justify" to indicate the ability to provide reasons or explanations for actions or beliefs. For example, "The researchers "are able to justify" their findings with substantial evidence".

What are some alternatives to "are able to justify"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "can explain", "can defend", or "can rationalize".

Is it better to use "are able to justify" or "can justify"?

"Can justify" is generally more concise and preferred in most contexts. "Are able to justify" emphasizes the ability or capability more explicitly, which can be useful in specific situations where this emphasis is desired.

What's the difference between "are able to justify" and "are able to rationalize"?

"Are able to justify" implies providing legitimate reasons or evidence. "Are able to rationalize" suggests finding a seemingly logical explanation, even if it's not entirely valid or objective.