decent justification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent justification" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a reasonable or acceptable explanation for a decision or action. Example: "The committee required a decent justification for the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Except perhaps if you're (say) a food-delivery cyclist, operating under extreme time pressure just to make a living wage, there's almost never a decent justification for not sucking it up and playing by the rules.

The Guardian - Opinion

The affection for this track was real: thanks to speed typing, with decent justification and links, we received two nominations within seconds of each other as the theme was announced.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Moreover, it is "a decent respect to the opinions of mankind" that requires this justification.

Huffington Post

If Biden is going to bust the primary race open, he will need to provide a compelling justification for his candidacy, likely one that goes beyond the personal saga of a decent man and dedicated public servant who is seeking to fulfill the hopes of his dead son — touching and uplifting as that would be.

The New Yorker

HINDS: The greens and pine placements can still provide decent protection even without the extra length that makes everyone play the par 5s the Chip Beck way — but, now, with good justification.

The New York Times - Sports

The justification?

The Guardian

There's your justification.

Independent

And with some justification".

Encyclopedia Britannica

No such justification exists".

The New Yorker

Decent odds.

The New Yorker

The justification was Stanleyesque.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "decent justification", ensure that the context provides sufficient details to support the claim. A vague justification, even if termed 'decent', may lack persuasive power.

Common error

While "decent justification" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "good reason" or "fair explanation" when communicating informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent justification" functions as a noun phrase, where "decent" modifies the noun "justification". It describes the quality or nature of the justification, indicating that it is of an acceptable or respectable standard. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used to express that there is a valid and reasonable explanation for something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decent justification" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an explanation or reason that is considered both acceptable and morally sound. Ludwig AI confirms that while not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate in formal contexts, particularly within news and media. When choosing an alternative, consider options like "reasonable rationale" or "acceptable explanation" to maintain a similar level of formality and precision. Avoid overusing "decent justification" in casual conversation, where simpler alternatives may be more suitable. When employing the phrase "decent justification", context and clarity are very important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable rationale

Replaces "decent" with "reasonable", providing a more formal tone.

acceptable explanation

Substitutes both words for synonyms that emphasize understandability and agreement.

valid reason

Focuses on the logical soundness of the explanation, differing slightly in nuance.

sound basis

Indicates a solid foundation for an argument or action, shifting the emphasis from explanation to foundation.

plausible grounds

Suggests the explanation is believable and likely, but not necessarily definitive.

adequate grounds

Emphasizes the sufficiency of the reasons presented, suitable for more formal contexts.

sufficient cause

Highlights the causality aspect, focusing on why something happened.

good excuse

Less formal, implying acceptance but potentially with a hint of skepticism.

fair pretext

Suggests a stated reason that may or may not be the true underlying motivation, implying potential deception.

legitimate defense

Emphasizes justification in the face of criticism or accusation, typically used in legal or ethical discussions.

FAQs

What does "decent justification" mean?

A "decent justification" refers to a reason or explanation that is considered reasonable, acceptable, and morally sound. It implies that the justification meets a certain standard of fairness and appropriateness.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "decent justification"?

Use "decent justification" when you want to emphasize that the reason provided is not just any reason, but one that holds up to scrutiny and is ethically defensible. It's suitable for formal writing, legal contexts, or discussions where a high standard of justification is required.

What are some alternatives to "decent justification"?

You can use alternatives like "reasonable rationale", "acceptable explanation", or "valid reason" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "decent justification" the same as "good justification"?

While similar, "decent justification" implies a stronger emphasis on moral acceptability and fairness than "good justification". A "good justification" might simply be effective, whereas a "decent justification" is both effective and ethically sound.