justification for being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "justification for being" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reasons or rationale behind existence or a particular state of being. Example: "Philosophers often debate the justification for being in a world filled with suffering and uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

• Is there justification for being skeptical of Vick's motives?

The New York Times - Sports

What it is not is a justification for being a free rider.

The New York Times - Magazine

Our young people often rebel in ways we do not like, but their spokesmen cite graft and scandal in local and national government as justification for being antiestablishment.

The New York Times

Sophie Wilkinson, 26, told me that she had renounced porn altogether: "I gave up because I found myself getting off on things that men/boys could be using as justification for being horrific to women in bed".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But uncertainty could also lead to a pulling away from public life, New York's enduring justification for being, and a mimicking of the fortress mentality that has rolled across the country.

The New York Times

Villas-Boas shared a warm embrace with opposite number Jesualdo Ferreira at the final whistle, but the Portuguese will have justification for being unhappy on the inside after seeing his team come away with only a point.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A Lib Dem source said that the latest Tory stance was "preposterous" and that Cameron should "stop coming up with garbage justifications for being chicken".

The Guardian

He trashes the baby boom generation -- with considerable justification -- for being self-indulgent, self-absorbed and spoiled.

The New York Times - Books

." -- then seek scientific justification for what is already assumed to be true.

The New York Times - Books

The Saudis' justification for intervening is that their national territory is under threat.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is little question that diversity as a legal justification for preferences is at risk.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "justification for being", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being justified, avoiding ambiguity. For example, specify the entity or action whose existence or occurrence needs validating.

Common error

Avoid limiting "justification for being" to purely philosophical or abstract contexts. The phrase can be effectively used in practical scenarios where explaining the rationale behind something is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "justification for being" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces the concept of needing a rationale or valid reason for existence, often implying a debate or requirement for defense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "justification for being" is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase, frequently appearing in News & Media and Scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable when discussing the reasons or rationale behind existence, implying a need for validation or defense. Alternatives like "reason for existence" or "rationale for existence" offer similar meanings but may lack the same emphasis on the necessity of justification. When using this phrase, clarity is key: clearly specify what is being justified to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justification for existence

Mirrors the original phrase but places emphasis on the need for external validation of existence.

valid reason for being

Highlights the legitimacy and acceptability of the reason for existence.

reason for existence

Focuses specifically on the cause or purpose behind something's existence, rather than a more general validation.

rationale for existence

Emphasizes a logical or reasoned basis for existing, implying a more deliberate and considered justification.

basis for existing

Highlights the fundamental foundation or grounds upon which something's existence is predicated.

purpose of being

Shifts the focus to the intended aim or function that something serves.

warrant for being

Indicates an official or formal authorization or permission for existence.

excuse for existing

Implies a less substantial or even questionable reason for existence, often with a negative connotation.

reason for acting

Shifts the focus from existence to a specific action or behavior.

basis for action

Similar to 'reason for acting' but suggests a more fundamental or foundational reason.

FAQs

How can I use "justification for being" in a sentence?

You can use "justification for being" to discuss the reasons or rationale behind existence or a particular state. For example, "Philosophers often debate the "justification for being" in a world filled with suffering and uncertainty."

What are some alternatives to "justification for being"?

You can use alternatives like "reason for existence", "rationale for existence", or "basis for existing", depending on the context.

Is "justification for being" a formal or informal phrase?

"Justification for being" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. It's suitable for discussions requiring a clear explanation of rationale.

What's the nuance between "justification for being" and "reason for being"?

"Justification for being" implies a need to validate or defend existence, while "reason for being" simply refers to the cause or purpose without necessarily implying a need for defense.