determine the rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determine the rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the reasoning or justification behind a decision, action, or belief. Example: "In order to improve our marketing strategy, we need to determine the rationale behind our current approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

To determine the rationale for these differences in expression patterns, we analysed the expression level of all the co-amplified genes in five xenografted and one fresh human gliomas containing dmins, the sequence of which has been previously analysed in detail [14], [15].

Plosone

However, it is not possible to definitively determine the rationale for stopping antibacterial therapy.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, the paucity of data from the heterosexual male and non-HIV-positive or non-high risk female populations (largest sections of the general population who make up a substantial number of anal cancer patients) has been a problem in the clinical management of these patients, particularly in determining the rationale and feasibility of instituting a screening program.

BMC Cancer

The nature of the data did not allow us to determine the clinicians' rationale for prescribing antipsychotics to people without psychoses or bipolar disorder diagnoses.

BMJ Open

This highlights the continuous interest in laboratory screening of medicinal plants, not only to determine the scientific rationale for their usage, but also to discover new active principles.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

It will be important to analyze the SpPKC1 cis-regulatory system to learn the contextual rules that facilitate CBFβ-independent Runx function, and to determine the biological rationale for Runx-mediated transcriptional regulation that does not involve CBFβ.

BMC Biology

This fact provides us the rationale to determine the possibility of improving the acceptability of formulated feeds to O. marmorata by manipulating the feed's pH to the fish preferable level, which is also a simple and cheaper way (by means of adding in acid) than the dietary supplementation of feeding stimulant mentioned earlier.

International Aquatic Research

Indeed, a Harvard math professor has recently determined that the "rationale model" attributed to Keynes, Smith and "business" is anything but rationale.

Huffington Post

Therefore, our rationale was first to determine the inventory of nif genes that were always present in known-diazotrophic species.

BMC Genomics

A similar rationale was employed to determine the ability of sorafenib, nilotinib and ponatinib to suppress MAPK activation (Fig. 3).

Cancer Biology and Therapy

The rationale behind the study was that fibre polysaccharides determine the technological properties of fibres and their industrial usefulness.

BMC Biotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determine the rationale", ensure that you are not just identifying a reason, but also understanding the underlying logic and justification behind it. This suggests a deeper level of inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "determine the rationale" when a simpler "find the reason" would suffice. "Rationale" implies a more complex, reasoned justification, so use it when the situation warrants a deeper analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine the rationale" functions as an infinitive phrase introducing the purpose or aim of an action. It indicates the intention to find and understand the underlying reasons or justifications behind something, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "determine the rationale" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the intention to understand the reasons behind something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a formal and analytical register. While alternatives like "establish the justification" or "identify the reason" exist, "determine the rationale" implies a deeper level of inquiry into the underlying logic. Remember to use it when a simple reason isn't enough and a reasoned justification is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish the justification

Emphasizes proving or showing something to be right or reasonable, shifting from simple determination to validation.

ascertain the reasoning

Focuses on discovering the logical process or thought behind a decision or action, highlighting the investigative aspect.

understand the basis

Stresses comprehension of the fundamental principles or facts that support something, rather than just finding the reason.

identify the reason

Directly seeks the cause or explanation for something, simplifying the expression to a basic inquiry.

uncover the motivation

Specifically looks for the driving force or incentive behind an action, adding a layer of psychological understanding.

explore the logic

Suggests a detailed examination of the rational principles guiding a decision or system, implying a more in-depth analysis.

analyze the grounds

Involves a formal assessment of the reasons or evidence supporting a claim or action, suitable for more formal contexts.

decipher the explanation

Implies that the reason is hidden or difficult to understand, focusing on the act of interpretation.

interpret the intent

Seeks to understand the purpose or goal behind an action, often used when the intent is not explicitly stated.

evaluate the merits

Focuses on judging the value or worth of the reasons given, adding a critical assessment element.

FAQs

How can I use "determine the rationale" in a sentence?

You can use "determine the rationale" when you need to understand the reason behind a decision, action, or belief. For example, "We need to determine the rationale for the price increase."

What are some alternatives to "determine the rationale"?

Alternatives include "establish the justification", "ascertain the reasoning", or "identify the reason". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "determine the rationale" instead of "find the reason"?

"Determine the rationale" is more appropriate when seeking a detailed, logical explanation that justifies a particular course of action, while "find the reason" is more general and suitable for simpler explanations.

What's the difference between understanding the basis and determining the rationale?

While both phrases involve seeking comprehension, "determine the rationale" suggests a process of uncovering a reasoned justification, whereas "understand the basis" implies grasping the fundamental principles or facts on which something is founded.