as a rationale for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a rationale for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the reasoning or justification behind a decision, action, or argument. Example: "The committee presented the new policy as a rationale for improving employee productivity and satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Used as a rationale for invasion, the plight of women's rights is increasingly an embarrassing failure.

The Guardian

It means that personal choice could replace economic necessity as a rationale for family decisions.

The Guardian - Business

On the right, compassion has been used as a rationale for Howard's Pacific Solution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prosecutors and judges seldom regard those collateral costs as a rationale for leniency.

The New Yorker

Washington used counterterrorism as a rationale for regime change in Iraq and other interventions.

The New Yorker

Using diversity as a rationale for affirmative action also distorts the aims of affirmative action.

The New York Times

Not least about international law, which emerged as a rationale for treating Africans differently from Europeans.

The Guardian

-The article mentions fate as a rationale for a team's win or loss.

The New York Times

What he has offered to voters, as a rationale for his candidacy, is himself.

The New Yorker

Why is a conspiracy sometimes easier to accept as a rationale for events than a string of unrelated causes?

The New York Times

And the army, which has used the struggle over Kashmir as a rationale for its power, remains a wild card.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a rationale for", ensure that the reason you are presenting is genuinely logical and well-supported by evidence. Avoid using it to mask weak or illogical arguments.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "as a rationale for" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "because of" or "as a reason for" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a rationale for" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the reason or justification behind an action, decision, or argument. It connects a cause or explanation to its effect or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a rationale for" serves as a prepositional phrase offering a logical explanation or justification for an action or decision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal writing across news, scientific, and business contexts. While highly versatile, it's crucial to consider simpler alternatives in less formal settings. Remember that while the phrase implies a logical and well-supported reason, ensuring that the reason given truly holds up to scrutiny is crucial. Use "as a rationale for" when you need to clearly articulate the logical underpinnings of a decision or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a justification for

Replaces "rationale" with "justification", offering a slightly more formal tone.

as a reason for

Substitutes "rationale" with the more common and straightforward "reason".

as grounds for

Offers a more legalistic or formal alternative, implying a solid basis for action.

as a basis for

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the reasoning.

to rationalize

Uses the verb form of "rationale", focusing on the act of justifying.

in explanation of

Shifts the focus to providing an explanation, rather than a justification.

as support for

Suggests the phrase is being used to bolster or defend a position.

as a defense for

Highlights the defensive aspect of the reasoning, implying potential criticism.

in vindication of

Implies a need to clear someone or something from blame or suspicion.

as an excuse for

Presents the "rationale" as a potential pretext or weak justification.

FAQs

How can I use "as a rationale for" in a sentence?

You can use "as a rationale for" to introduce the reasoning behind an action, decision, or belief. For example: "The company cited increased costs "as a rationale for" the price increase."

What are some alternatives to "as a rationale for"?

Some alternatives include "as a reason for", "as a justification for", "as grounds for", or "as a basis for". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "rationale" the same as "reason"?

While similar, "rationale" often implies a more complex or carefully considered reason than simply a "reason". "Rationale" suggests a logical explanation, while "reason" can be more general.

When is it appropriate to use "as a rationale for"?

It is appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, business reports, and other contexts where a clear and logical explanation is needed. In less formal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable.