contrived rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrived rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reasoning or justification that seems artificial or forced, often lacking authenticity or genuine logic. Example: "The committee's decision was based on a contrived rationale that failed to address the real issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Inside the building, cast-iron staircases rise to an elegant lobby, and portraits honor the men who shaped the state's querulous history, including John C. Calhoun, who contrived the rationale — nullification — for Southern secession, and Strom Thurmond, who led the South out of the Democratic Party.

The New Yorker

But the rationales sound slightly contrived.

The Economist

"And contrived.

The New York Times - Magazine

Contrived much?

The Guardian - Music

It's contrived.

The New Yorker

Seems totally contrived".

The New York Times

"It felt contrived".

The New York Times

It's not contrived.

The New York Times

Completely contrived myth.

The New York Times

This was not contrived.

The New York Times

It seemed contrived.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrived rationale", ensure the context clearly indicates the artificial or fabricated nature of the reasoning. Provide evidence or examples to support your claim that the rationale is not genuine.

Common error

Avoid using "contrived rationale" merely as a sophisticated way to say 'bad reason'. The term implies intentional manipulation or fabrication, so ensure your usage accurately reflects this meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrived rationale" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "contrived" modifies the noun "rationale". Ludwig AI states that it describes a reasoning or justification that seems artificial or forced, often lacking authenticity or genuine logic.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contrived rationale" describes a justification or reasoning that appears artificial or deliberately constructed. While grammatically sound and usable, Ludwig AI and the lack of examples suggest it is not a commonly used expression. Related phrases include "artificial justification" and "fabricated explanation". When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the manipulated nature of the reasoning. Ludwig's analysis, while affirming the phrase's correctness, highlights its relative infrequency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forced justification

Highlights that the justification is not natural and needs to be pushed.

artificial justification

Emphasizes the lack of naturalness or genuineness in the reasoning.

fabricated explanation

Highlights the invented or manufactured nature of the explanation.

invented reason

Focuses on the creation of a reason that did not exist before.

trumped-up excuse

Suggests a weak or inadequate excuse that has been exaggerated or falsified.

specious reasoning

Implies that the reasoning appears correct but is actually false or misleading.

manufactured motive

Indicates that the motive behind an action was artificially created.

post hoc rationalization

Refers to justifying an action after it has already occurred, often with a flimsy reason.

unconvincing argument

Highlights that the argument is not persuasive and therefore weak.

bogus pretext

Suggests that the pretext is false or deceptive.

FAQs

How can I use "contrived rationale" in a sentence?

Use "contrived rationale" to describe a reason that appears to be carefully planned and artificial rather than genuine. For example: "The committee's decision was based on a "contrived rationale" that failed to address the real issues at hand."

What can I say instead of "contrived rationale"?

You can use alternatives like "artificial justification", "fabricated explanation", or "invented reason" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "contrived rationale" or "forced rationale"?

Both ""contrived rationale"" and "forced rationale" can be correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Contrived" suggests something skillfully invented or planned, possibly with deceptive intent, while "forced" suggests something that is not natural or easily accepted.

What's the difference between "contrived rationale" and "unconvincing argument"?

While both phrases describe something flawed, ""contrived rationale"" implies that the reasoning was deliberately fabricated or manipulated, whereas "unconvincing argument" simply means that the argument is not persuasive or believable, regardless of intent.