justifiable expense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "justifiable expense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing costs or expenditures that are deemed reasonable or warranted in a particular context, such as business or budgeting. Example: "The company classified the new software purchase as a justifiable expense due to its potential to increase productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Was it a justifiable expense in troubled times?

The New York Times

"A mailshot would cost up to £30m, which in the current economic climate is not a justifiable expense.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Which is to say, the staff were completely complicit in our collective act of delusion: that there is something justifiable about such ludicrous expense, however good the ingredients.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Asked why money that was used for what would appear to be justifiable governing and charitable expenses was handed over secretly by the C.I.A. and not routed publicly through the State Department, Mr. Karzai replied: "This is cash.

The New York Times

What we have seen is a well-planned and executed attempt, using people's quite justifiable anger over MPs' expenses to undermine the government in the lead-up to critical local and national elections.

The Guardian - Opinion

Harvard's decision suggests that it, too, knows that primate research isn't a necessary expense or a justifiable cruelty.

The New York Times

Although the expense might be more justifiable for new builds than most remodels, Mr. Liljequist said homeowners have the added benefit of the windows' now-standard metallic coating, which blocks ultraviolet radiation and reduces fading of couches and carpets.

The New York Times

The public has "justifiable angst" on the issue of parliamentary expenses, social services minister Scott Morrison has admitted.

The Guardian

At the extreme of utilitarianism, the allocation of benefits to the well-off group at the expense of the disadvantaged group is justifiable under the presumption that those in the well-off group have more capacity to put the benefits to better use and maximize the aggregate outcome for which the benefits were intended (27, 28).

Global Health Action

The dish will serve at least four people — six, if you add a couple of sides — so the extra expense is not only worth it but also justifiable.

The New York Times - Magazine

The rapid acquisition times come at the expense of compromising spatial resolution, but this may be justifiable for in vivo applications that require rapid scan times such as perfusion imaging and high-throughput imaging.

EJNMMI Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating a "justifiable expense", clearly articulate the rationale behind it, linking it to specific goals or benefits. Provide quantifiable data or evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Don't assume an expense is automatically "justifiable". Always provide a clear and logical explanation of why the expense is necessary and how it contributes to a larger objective. Without proper justification, the expense may be viewed as wasteful or unnecessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "justifiable expense" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "justifiable" modifies the noun "expense". It describes an expense that is considered reasonable, warranted, or defensible. Ludwig confirms this phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "justifiable expense" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a cost that is reasonable and warranted, as validated by Ludwig. While its frequency is rare, its use is most common in news media and scientific contexts. To effectively use the phrase, provide a clear and logical explanation for the expense, linking it to specific objectives. Common errors include failing to provide adequate justification. Alternatives include "warranted cost" and "reasonable expenditure". Remember, a "justifiable expense" is one that can be defended with sound reasoning and evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warranted cost

Emphasizes the idea that the cost is justified given the circumstances.

reasonable expenditure

Focuses on the expenditure being within acceptable limits or norms.

justified outlay

Highlights the investment aspect and its defensibility.

defensible expense

Indicates that the expense can be argued for and supported with reasons.

allowable cost

Suggests the expense is permissible or approved under specific rules or guidelines.

acceptable expenditure

Conveys that the spending is satisfactory or meets a certain standard.

legitimate expense

Highlights the lawfulness or ethical nature of the expense.

valid expense

Emphasizes that the expense has a sound basis or reason.

necessary expense

Focuses on the expense being essential or required.

appropriate expenditure

Highlights that the spending is suitable or fitting for the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "justifiable expense" to describe costs that are reasonable and warranted in a specific context. For example, "The new software was a "justifiable expense" because it improved productivity".

What are some alternatives to "justifiable expense"?

Alternatives include "reasonable expenditure", "warranted cost", or "defensible expense", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "justifiable expense" a formal or informal phrase?

"Justifiable expense" is suitable for formal and professional contexts, such as business reports, academic papers, and official correspondence. It's less common in informal settings.

What makes an expense "justifiable"?

An expense is "justifiable" when there's a clear and rational basis for incurring it, often linked to achieving specific objectives, improving efficiency, or complying with regulations. Documentation and evidence supporting the rationale are crucial.