it is justifiable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is justifiable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to explain that something is reasonable or can be defended. For example, "Given the circumstances, it is justifiable that he took a day off work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not substantively: most of the money in it is justifiable.

The New Yorker

They anguish about when, if ever, it is justifiable to lie to the young.

The New York Times

To the inevitable question of when and why it is justifiable to neglect viscosity, there is no single answer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I don't think it is justifiable … everybody who worked at the magazine was mortified by that mistake".

The Guardian

Otherwise, our society cannot know whether it is justifiable to implant the artificial heart in any other patient.

The New York Times

I equate it to a drug addict trying to explain to you why it is justifiable to have one more fix – the fix here being carbon".

Independent

Such is the scale of Storey's achievements that it is justifiable to talk about her as one of the country's best athletes full stop.

The Guardian - Sport

In Universe A, most of the relevant ethical decisions about when it is justifiable to breach someone's privacy were effectively subcontracted to editors.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since the images reflected inside knowledge, he said, "it is justifiable to consider the dancing scenes as authentic documentation of dance activity".

The New York Times - Science

Some simply wonder whether, when the public finances are under pressure as never before, it is justifiable to spend tens of millions of dollars investigating star athletes who may have cheated but broke no laws in doing so.

Independent

But I think the answer has to be yes – there are circumstances in which it is justifiable, and yes, there are circumstances in which it is effective – but it is never effective on its own.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic and formal writing, using "it is justifiable" provides a strong and direct way to introduce a point that you intend to defend with evidence and reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "it is justifiable" when expressing purely subjective opinions or preferences. This phrase implies a need for objective justification, which isn't necessary for personal tastes or feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is justifiable" serves as an introductory statement to present a viewpoint or action that the speaker believes can be defended or rationalized. It sets the stage for providing reasons or evidence that support the validity or acceptability of something. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "it is justifiable" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase utilized to introduce claims or actions that one believes are reasonable or defensible. Predominantly found in formal writing, particularly within scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, it is used to provide a rationale or defense for a specific viewpoint. Alternatives such as "it is warranted" or "it is legitimate" can be considered based on the context. Remember to avoid overusing this phrase in purely subjective contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. Use "it is justifiable" when you intend to assert that an action or belief has valid reasons or evidence backing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is warranted

Indicates that there's sufficient reason or evidence to support something, suggesting a more formal tone than the original phrase.

it is legitimate

Emphasizes the lawfulness or acceptability according to rules or principles, adding a dimension of official approval.

it is defensible

Highlights that something can be argued for or protected against criticism, focusing on the act of defending a position.

it is reasonable

Suggests that something aligns with logic and good sense, emphasizing rationality and sound judgment.

it is permissible

Indicates that something is allowed or authorized, focusing on the absence of prohibition.

it is acceptable

Suggests that something meets a certain standard or is satisfactory in a given context, focusing on its suitability.

it is understandable

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be comprehended or sympathized with, focusing on empathy and clarity.

it is excusable

Suggests that something can be forgiven or pardoned, focusing on mitigating circumstances.

it is valid

Highlights that something is well-founded and aligns with fact or logic, adding a tone of formal correctness.

it is allowable

Implies that something is permitted or not forbidden, emphasizing the lack of restriction.

FAQs

How can I use "it is justifiable" in a sentence?

Use "it is justifiable" to introduce a claim that you believe has valid reasons or evidence supporting it. For example, "Given the circumstances, "it is justifiable" to question the results."

What are some alternatives to "it is justifiable"?

Alternatives include "it is warranted", "it is legitimate", or "it is defensible", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "it is justifiable" in formal or informal writing?

"It is justifiable" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, but it is more commonly found in formal contexts where reasoned arguments are presented. In more casual settings, simpler phrases like "it's understandable" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "it is justifiable" and "it is justified"?

"It is justifiable" means that there are valid reasons why something could be considered right or acceptable. "It is justified" means that something has already been shown to be right or acceptable. The former looks forward, presenting a case, while the latter confirms a judgment.