justifiable cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "justifiable cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you need to explain a reason or justification for an action or decision. Example: "The employee was terminated for justifiable cause, as he repeatedly violated company policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Many gay Chinese people report being discriminated against at work, passed over for promotions or fired without justifiable cause.

The Guardian

The agency may, for justifiable cause, request that an employee reschedule medical treatment, subject to the approval of the health care provider.

Cornell University

There is no justifiable cause at all, in fact, for optimism among the Tartan Army as they embark on their latest European adventure.

The Guardian - Sport

This was the third meeting between Pacquiao and Marquez, who had justifiable cause to believe he had won both of their previous fights.

The Guardian - Sport

According to Investigator Faro, if the sticker is not on the plate, a trooper has justifiable cause to stop the vehicle.

The New York Times

A virus, or a psychosomatic psychosis (it's never made clear) is turning all parents against their children and, apparently, with justifiable cause.

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Robert Toutkoushian, executive director of the University of New Hampshire Office of Policy Analysis, says that in his studies of national data, even when he controlled for what might be considered justifiable causes of the difference--such as years of experience, the highest degree earned, years of seniority, and departmental affiliation--an 8% gap still remained.

Science Magazine

Certainly the Swedish organic small ruminant (sheep and goat) producers have justifiable causes for concern.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Other life events (such as bereavement or relationship breakdown) were justifiable causes of depression; however chronic stresses (such as unemployment and family problems) were not justifiable as they could be resolved by action from the sufferer.

BMC Family Practice

The first is the standard of probable cause: that the government must have a justifiable reason, based on evidence, to conduct a search.

The New York Times

It always confuses me, as if the only justifiable reason to advocate for others or express sensitivity about a cause is due to a personal relationship.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "justifiable cause", ensure the context clearly explains why the cause is considered justifiable. Provide specific details or evidence to support the justification.

Common error

Avoid using "justifiable cause" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase tends to sound overly formal or legalistic in such settings; opt for simpler alternatives like "good reason" or "valid excuse".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "justifiable cause" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition (e.g., "for justifiable cause") or as a complement within a clause. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

28%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "justifiable cause" is a noun phrase used to denote a valid, defensible reason for an action or decision. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts such as news reporting, academic writing, and legal documentation. The phrase implies a higher standard of scrutiny and accountability than simpler alternatives like "good reason". When using "justifiable cause", it's important to provide specific details and evidence to support the claim that the cause is indeed justifiable. While common in formal settings, overuse in casual conversation should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Valid reason

Replaces 'justifiable' with 'valid', focusing on the reason's soundness.

Legitimate grounds

Substitutes both words, emphasizing legality and acceptability.

Warranted reason

Replaces 'justifiable' with 'warranted', highlighting justification based on circumstances.

Good reason

Simplifies the phrase using 'good', indicating a satisfactory basis.

Adequate justification

Rephrases to highlight the sufficiency of the provided justification.

Sufficient basis

Emphasizes that there is enough evidence or reason for something.

Acceptable explanation

Focuses on the explanation being deemed satisfactory or permissible.

Reasonable excuse

Highlights the plausibility and fairness of the provided excuse.

Permissible grounds

Stresses that the basis for the action is allowable or sanctioned.

Defensible reason

Emphasizes that the reason can be supported or argued for convincingly.

FAQs

How can I use "justifiable cause" in a sentence?

The phrase "justifiable cause" is used to indicate a legitimate or valid reason for an action. For example, "The company terminated his employment for "justifiable cause", citing repeated violations of company policy".

What are some alternatives to "justifiable cause"?

Alternatives include "valid reason", "legitimate grounds", or "warranted reason". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "justifiable cause" a formal expression?

Yes, "justifiable cause" is generally considered a formal expression. It's often used in legal, business, or official contexts where a clear and defensible reason is required. Simpler terms are preferred in informal situations.

When is it appropriate to use "justifiable cause" instead of "good reason"?

Use "justifiable cause" when you need to emphasize that a reason is not only good but also legally or ethically defensible. "Good reason" is more general, while "justifiable cause" implies a higher standard of scrutiny and accountability.