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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
citing as rationale
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "citing as rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to reference a source or reason that supports a particular argument or decision. Example: "The committee made its decision, citing as rationale the need for increased funding to support community programs."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Fitch Ratings cut the credit rating of Ford Motor further, from BB+ to BB, citing as rationale statements such as: "The potential for labor actions, potential financial support and costs related to re-sourcing and double-sourcing all point toward potentially higher direct costs from Ford's supplier base".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Some of these reports may include those cited as rationale in the Introduction.
aDoes not add to 100% because more than one reason could be cited as rationale for RRT activation.
Science
The existence of other, less scrupulous, medicine sellers, including ambulatory drug sellers, and 'untrained charlatans' to the profession was also cited as rationale for both regulation and compulsory training.
Science
There were small differences between the groups in terms of subthemes, with inconsistency of symptoms and lack of obvious symptoms more commonly cited as rationales underlying alternative explanations for colorectal than lung symptoms.
Science
But Trump compounds the outrageousness by directly citing Thomas Jefferson as rationale for the move.
News & Media
(Certainly not in Congress, where safety was cited as a rationale for letting vacationers take loaded pistols into federal parks).
News & Media
Although it makes clear that some of those consequences could be dire, the study also underscores the emerging threat to the United States from the proliferation of ballistic missiles, which advocates have long cited as the rationale for building a system.
News & Media
Mr. Rosenstein, who wrote a memo that Mr. Trump briefly cited as his rationale for dismissing Mr. Comey, then asked whether Mr. Rosenberg wanted to remain at the Justice Department, and Mr. Rosenberg said he did not.
News & Media
Mr. Rosenstein had been under escalating pressure from Democrats, and even some Republicans, to appoint a special counsel after he wrote a memo that the White House initially cited as the rationale for Mr. Comey's dismissal.
News & Media
Three objectives are often cited as a rationale for punishment: removal of dangerous persons from society; rehabilitation; deterrence.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "citing as rationale" when you want to clearly and directly state that a specific reason or justification is being presented as the basis for a decision or action. This phrasing is appropriate for formal writing and professional contexts.
Common error
Avoid using "citing as rationalization" when "citing as rationale" is intended. "Rationalization" often implies creating excuses after the fact, while "rationale" refers to the actual reasons used to support something, whether before or after.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "citing as rationale" functions as a verbal phrase that introduces or highlights the reason or justification behind a particular action, decision, or statement. It essentially serves to present the reasoning being offered. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.
Frequent in
News & Media
35%
Science
35%
Academia
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "citing as rationale" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, used to present the reasons or justifications for a particular action or decision. While not extremely common, it's prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a formal or neutral tone. Alternatives such as "referencing as justification" or "stating as reason" can be used depending on the context and desired level of formality. Remember to use "rationale" to reference the actual reasons and avoid confusing it with "rationalization", which implies creating excuses. Overall, the phrase contributes to clarity and transparency in formal writing and professional communications.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
referencing as justification
Replaces "citing" with "referencing" and "rationale" with "justification", making it slightly more formal.
presenting as justification
Replaces "citing" with "presenting" and "rationale" with "justification", indicating a formal presentation of reasons.
stating as reason
Uses simpler vocabulary; "stating" instead of "citing" and "reason" instead of "rationale", resulting in a less formal tone.
offering as explanation
Substitutes "citing" with "offering" and "rationale" with "explanation", which implies a more detailed account.
advancing as a reason
Replaces "citing" with "advancing," suggesting a proactive presentation of the reason.
giving as grounds
Uses "giving" instead of "citing" and "grounds" instead of "rationale", suggesting a legal or formal context.
invoking as the basis
Implies a more formal or authoritative reason being used; "invoking" adds weight to the justification.
pointing to as the reasoning
This phrase is less formal and more conversational, emphasizing the act of directing attention to the reasoning.
using as the pretext
Suggests that the stated rationale might not be the true reason; "pretext" implies a hidden motive.
offering up as the reason
A more casual and informal way of saying someone is providing a reason.
FAQs
How can I use "citing as rationale" in a sentence?
You can use "citing as rationale" to explain the reasons behind a decision or action. For example: "The board approved the project, citing increased market demand as the rationale".
What are some alternatives to "citing as rationale"?
Alternatives include "referencing as justification", "stating as reason", or "offering as explanation", depending on the desired level of formality and nuance.
Is there a difference between "citing as rationale" and "citing as justification"?
While similar, "rationale" refers more broadly to the underlying reasons or logic, while "justification" implies defending or proving something right. Therefore, "citing as justification" may be more appropriate when defending a decision under scrutiny.
When is it appropriate to use "citing as rationale" in writing?
It's appropriate in formal and professional writing when you need to explicitly state the reasons behind a decision, argument, or action. This phrase is common in reports, academic papers, and official communications.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested