by what rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

"by what rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to ask someone to provide an explanation for why something is done or believed. For example: "By what rationale do some people consider this food to be unhealthy?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

By what rationale have manufacturers offered these weapons for sale to the public?

The New York Times

By what rationale do we insist that groups — races, communities of faith — don't deserve similar protection?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

What rationale did terrorist groups give for their actions?

The New York Times

By what insane rationale does dismissing gay and lesbian military personnel who can actually speak the language of the occupied make the servicemen and women serving there safer?

Huffington Post

Again, we don't know the rationale, but what other rationale could there be?..

Huffington Post

Again, we don't know the rationale, but what other rationale could there be?" Santorum said.

Huffington Post

Although the rationale has survived, and is still trotted out by those who support today's cuts, it has been eclipsed, at least partly, by what you might call the moral case against taxation.

The New Yorker

Let's applaud corporate generosity, no matter what the rationale.

The New York Times

Nor was it clear what the rationale was behind it.

The New York Times

What possible rationale did John McCain have for selecting Sarah Palin?

The New Yorker

They need to know what the rationales are".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by what rationale" when you want to formally question or challenge the reasoning behind a decision, action, or belief. It's particularly effective in academic, journalistic, or professional contexts where a clear explanation is expected.

Common error

Avoid using "by what rationale" when you actually mean to critique a "rationalization". "Rationale" seeks the real reasons behind something, while "rationalization" implies creating self-justifying explanations, often after the fact. Using the former when you mean the latter can weaken your critique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by what rationale" functions as an interrogative adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to question or request the underlying reasons or justifications for a particular action, decision, or belief. It sets the stage for a demand of reasoning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by what rationale" is a grammatically sound phrase used to formally question the basis of a decision or belief. As noted by Ludwig AI, its purpose is to elicit a clear and justified explanation. Given its appearance in news and media, and given the nature of the related phrases such as "on what grounds", it serves to invoke critical thinking, making it a useful tool for requesting accountability and transparency. This phrase should be used when a well-reasoned explanation is expected and one desires to scrutinize the underlying logic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on what grounds

This alternative focuses on the basis or justification used to support a claim or action.

what's the justification

This alternative asks directly for the reason that defends or justifies something.

what is the basis

This alternative seeks the underlying principle or foundation upon which something is based.

by what reasoning

This alternative emphasizes the logical process used to arrive at a conclusion.

what is the explanation

This alternative seeks a detailed account that clarifies the reasons behind something.

what is the thinking behind

This alternative explores the thought process and considerations that led to a decision.

what led to this

This alternative inquires about the events or factors that preceded and influenced a particular outcome.

what's the logic

This alternative seeks the underlying logical principles or structure.

what are the reasons

This alternative is a direct request for the causes or justifications for something.

why was this done

This alternative is a simple and direct inquiry into the reasons for a specific action.

FAQs

How can I use "by what rationale" in a sentence?

The phrase "by what rationale" is used to inquire about or challenge the reasons behind a decision, action, or belief. For example, "By what rationale were these budget cuts implemented?" or "By what rationale do you defend this policy?". It invites a formal explanation.

What are some alternatives to "by what rationale"?

You can use alternatives such as "on what grounds", "what's the justification", or "what is the basis" depending on the context. These alternatives also seek the reasoning or justification behind something.

Is "rationale" the same as "reason"?

"Rationale" is a more formal and comprehensive term than "reason". While "reason" can refer to a single cause or explanation, "rationale" implies a coherent set of reasons or principles that justify a particular course of action or belief. Therefore, asking "by what rationale" suggests a deeper inquiry than simply asking "what is the reason".

When is it appropriate to use "by what rationale"?

It's appropriate to use "by what rationale" in situations where you're seeking a formal, well-reasoned explanation for a decision or action. This phrase is often used in academic, professional, or journalistic contexts where critical analysis and justification are important.