clear rationale for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear rationale for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the reasoning or justification behind a decision, action, or belief. Example: "The committee provided a clear rationale for their decision to implement the new policy, outlining the benefits it would bring to the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a clear rationale for narrowly targeted diplomatic expulsions.

The New York Times

"We are asking for a clear rationale for the award".

The Guardian - Business

There is a clear rationale for their concerns.

The New York Times

This is understandable if there is no clear rationale for such a move.

Harvard Business Review

KENNEDY: Well, we're reminded that the documents don't show any clear rationale for the firings.

The Washington Post

This analysis did not provide a clear rationale for the inactivity of the benzene γ-turn scaffolds.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Agents such as taxanes upregulate thymidine phosphorylase (TP), and there is therefore a clear rationale for their combination with capecitabine.

European Journal of Cancer

In contrast, controlling academic environments impose pressure on students without giving them a clear rationale for doing so.

Learning and Individual Differences

This ought to be underpinned by a reasonable level of research and a clear rationale for not simply going to market.

The Guardian

"You've got to have a strong value proposition that provides a clear rationale for pricing," said George Morrow, executive vice president for worldwide sales and marketing at Amgen.

The New York Times - Health

There may be little evidence available on which to base these assumptions, but there should always be a clear rationale for the figure chosen.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "clear rationale for", ensure the explanation that follows is concise and easily understood. Avoid using jargon or complex language that could obscure the reasoning.

Common error

Avoid undermining the "clear" aspect by providing an overly complex or convoluted explanation after stating there's a "clear rationale for" something. Keep the reasoning simple and easy to follow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear rationale for" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to introduce or highlight the reasoning behind a specific action, decision, or belief. As shown by Ludwig, it's used across diverse contexts to preface an explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear rationale for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to introduce a well-defined and easily understandable justification for a decision, action, or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from scientific publications to news articles and business communications. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to follow the phrase with a straightforward and concise explanation. Related phrases such as "evident justification for" or "unambiguous reason for" can be used as alternatives depending on the desired nuance. Remember, avoid undermining the "clear" aspect by overcomplicating the explanation that follows.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evident justification for

Replaces "rationale" with "justification" and "clear" with "evident", emphasizing the obviousness of the reasoning.

unambiguous reason for

Substitutes "rationale" with "reason" and "clear" with "unambiguous", highlighting the lack of uncertainty in the explanation.

obvious explanation for

Replaces "rationale" with "explanation" and "clear" with "obvious", focusing on the readily apparent nature of the cause.

straightforward basis for

Replaces "rationale" with "basis" and "clear" with "straightforward", suggesting simplicity and directness in the foundation.

explicit grounds for

Substitutes "rationale" with "grounds" and "clear" with "explicit", underscoring the detailed and openly stated reasons.

patent justification for

Replaces "clear" with "patent," indicating that the justification is easily recognized or understood.

distinct explanation for

Replaces "clear" with "distinct," implying a readily noticeable and well-defined explanation.

well-defined reasoning behind

Replaces "rationale" with "reasoning behind" and "clear" with "well-defined", which conveys the logic is properly outlined.

cogent argument for

Replaces "rationale" with "argument," suggesting a persuasive and convincing reason.

sound justification for

Substitutes "clear" with "sound," signifying a valid and reliable basis.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear rationale for" to introduce the reasons behind a decision, action, or belief. For example, "There is a "clear rationale for" the new policy, which aims to improve efficiency."

What phrases are similar to "clear rationale for"?

Similar phrases include "evident justification for", "unambiguous reason for", or "obvious explanation for", all of which convey the idea of a well-understood reason.

Is it better to say "clear rationale for" or "good rationale for"?

"Clear rationale for" emphasizes the understandability and transparency of the reasoning, while "good rationale for" focuses on the quality or validity of the reasoning. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "rationale" and "justification"? Can I use "clear justification for" instead of "clear rationale for"?

While "rationale" refers to the underlying reasons or principles, "justification" focuses on the act of proving something to be right or reasonable. "Clear justification for" can often be used interchangeably with "clear rationale for", especially when emphasizing the defense of a decision or action.