justifiable reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "justifiable reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining why something is reasonable or acceptable. For example: "I was late for the meeting, but I had a justifiable reason; my car wouldn't start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"His justifiable reason was for his car's protection and his".

The New Yorker

"There is no justifiable reason to reconsider the recent ruling.

The Guardian

However, the Information Commissioner ruled that the government had no justifiable reason to withhold the figures.

Independent

For no justifiable reason, the referee declines to award a freekick.

The Guardian - Sport

Everyone was let go for at least one, and generally more than one, justifiable reason.

Harvard Business Review

And there is no justifiable reason for guns to be fired once this agreement is signed".

The New York Times

Australia also requires a justifiable reason for the type of weapon the applicant wants to own.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He stated in Ohio you could carry a gun as long as you had a justifiable reason," the report said.

The New Yorker

Now, for no justifiable reason, she has written a book, Unchosen, about her lifelong teenage-like obsession with "the Jews".

The Guardian - Opinion

At least if it wins, the producers will have a justifiable reason to thank God from the podium.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There was no justifiable reason why anyone would ever again look like Dixie Carter in "Designing Women".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "justifiable reason", ensure the reason is clearly articulated and directly relevant to the action or situation being explained. Avoid vague or ambiguous language.

Common error

Avoid presenting a weak excuse as a "justifiable reason". The term implies a strong and valid basis, so ensure the reason truly warrants the action or decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "justifiable reason" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as an object of a verb or preposition. It identifies and characterizes the basis upon which an action, decision, or belief is considered acceptable. As Ludwig AI suggests, it explains why something is considered reasonable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "justifiable reason" is a noun phrase used to denote a valid and acceptable basis for an action or belief. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English, serving to explain why something is reasonable. Its usage is common across news, scientific, and formal business contexts, signaling a neutral-to-formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure the reason is clearly articulated and genuinely warrants the action, avoiding weak excuses. Alternatives like "valid explanation" or "legitimate cause" can be used for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid explanation

Focuses on the legitimacy and soundness of the explanation.

legitimate cause

Emphasizes the lawfulness and acceptability of the reason.

defensible grounds

Highlights the ability to argue for and protect the reason.

warranted justification

Stresses the guarantee and validation of the reason.

reasonable basis

Implies the reason is logical and sensible.

acceptable rationale

Focuses on the reason being satisfactory and permissible.

sound pretext

Suggests the reason is solid and convincing.

valid motive

Highlights the legitimacy of the underlying motivation.

good cause

A more general term for a valid or sufficient reason.

adequate grounds

Emphasizes the sufficiency and suitability of the reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "justifiable reason" to explain why an action or decision is acceptable or understandable. For example, "The company had a "justifiable reason" for the layoffs due to declining profits."

What's the difference between "justifiable reason" and "excuse"?

"Justifiable reason" implies a valid and legitimate basis for an action, while "excuse" often suggests a less valid or even fabricated reason. A "justifiable reason" holds up to scrutiny better than a simple excuse.

What are some alternatives to "justifiable reason"?

Alternatives include "valid explanation", "legitimate cause", or "defensible grounds", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "justifiable reason" or "legitimate reason"?

Both "justifiable reason" and "legitimate reason" are acceptable. "Legitimate" emphasizes lawfulness and conformity to rules, while "justifiable" focuses more on the moral or ethical defensibility. Choose the word that best fits the specific context.