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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
clarifying the rationale
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "clarifying the rationale" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to explain the reasoning behind a decision or action. For example, you could say, "We held a meeting to discuss the project, clarifying the rationale behind our approach."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(19)
explaining the reasons
explaining the rationale
explain the reasons
stating the reasons
giving the explanation
justifying the decision
elucidate the rationale
clarify the motives
detail the justification
provide the explanation
give an account of the causes
spell out the grounds
analyze the determinants
interpret the reasons
explain the grounds
articulate the reasons
explain the purposes
elucidate the reasons
explain the rationales
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
2 human-written examples
These documents are important not only for informing the public but also for clarifying the rationale behind the decisions on government use licenses.
Science
The proposed concept of "multilevel cycle" helps understand the relationship between respiratory diseases and oxidative stress, thus clarifying the rationale for using NAC in COPD.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
In order to clarify the rationale behind this process, a speculative explanation was provided.
In order to clarify the rationale behind this process, a speculative explanation was provided on basis of the experimental results and the theory of Uras (Uras & Devlin, 2000).
Science
George Pólya put it: "More danger, more honor". It only remains to clarify the rationale for updating P to Q by conditioning on C or on -C, i.e., setting Q(H) = P(H | +/- C) depending on whether what we observe assures us of C's truth or of its falsity.
Academia
The modal split is described for the White Paper scenario in order to clarify the rationale of the changes in rail freight demand.
Updates: We added a comment to this post from a Tyson spokesperson to clarify the rationale behind the company's investment in Beyond Meat, a company developing vegetarian products that feel and taste like beef.
News & Media
A community-based rehabilitation (CBR) coordinator further clarified the rationale for specific design considerations for toilet facilities for special needs girls and women: …many cannot walk, or they have mental issues, and they are sharing the latrines with everybody.
Furthermore, although previous research has confirmed the usefulness of this phase and has clarified the rationale for its incorporation [12], no investigation tried to summarize how it has been done while also providing clear recommendations on how the verification phase should be performed as a whole (e.g. intensity, duration, protocol design, test validation).
Science
According to Elsie Kupfer, who had written Rehm to clarify the rationale for his decision: Urnula craterium was placed with its related species under Geopyxis, because Geopyxis was established by Persoon before Urnula by Fries; and that in order to retain the genus Urnula, under which Saccardo had placed Podophacidium terrestre of Niessl, he (Rehm) restricted the genus to this latter fungus.
Wiki
We have also clarified the rationale for experiment 4 to make things clearer.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "clarifying the rationale", ensure that the explanation directly addresses the decision or action being discussed. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures the audience understands the reasoning.
Common error
Avoid using overly complex language when "clarifying the rationale". The goal is to make the reasoning clear, not to impress with sophisticated vocabulary. Simple and direct explanations are often the most effective.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "clarifying the rationale" functions as a gerund phrase, often used to describe the act of making the underlying reasons or principles of a decision or action clear and understandable. As Ludwig indicates, it is a correct and acceptable English phrase.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
25%
Academia
25%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "clarifying the rationale" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to explain the reasoning behind a decision or action. Ludwig confirms its correctness and acceptability in English writing. The phrase is frequently found in scientific and academic contexts, though it also appears in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure your explanation is direct and avoids unnecessary complexity. Remember that the goal is to make the underlying reasons clear and understandable. Consider alternatives such as "explaining the reasoning" or "justifying the logic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
elucidating the justification
Focuses more on making the justification clear, highlighting the reasons.
explaining the reasoning
Simplifies the phrase to its core components: explaining and reasoning.
detailing the reasons
Emphasizes providing specific details about the reasons.
justifying the logic
Highlights the act of proving or showing the logic to be right or reasonable.
outlining the basis
Focuses on presenting the fundamental principles or foundation.
defining the ground
Emphasizes establishing a clear foundation or basis.
setting forth the justification
A more formal way of presenting the reasons or justification.
illuminating the motive
Focuses on making the underlying motive or intention clear.
unveiling the why
Informal way of emphasizing revealing the reason behind something.
expounding the theory
Focuses on providing a detailed explanation of a theory or principle.
FAQs
How can I use "clarifying the rationale" in a sentence?
You can use "clarifying the rationale" to introduce an explanation of the reasoning behind a decision or action. For example, "The presentation focused on "clarifying the rationale" for the new policy".
What phrases are similar to "clarifying the rationale"?
Similar phrases include "explaining the reasoning", "detailing the reasons", or "justifying the logic". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of providing clarity.
Is it better to say "clarifying the rationale" or "explaining the reason"?
"Clarifying the rationale" is more formal and suitable for professional or academic contexts. "Explaining the reason" is simpler and more appropriate for informal situations. Choose the phrase that best fits the audience and context.
What's the difference between "clarifying the rationale" and "providing the justification"?
"Clarifying the rationale" focuses on making the reasoning clear and understandable. "Providing the justification" emphasizes demonstrating that the decision or action is right and reasonable. While similar, justification has a stronger element of defense.
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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
86%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested