justifications

USAGE SUMMARY

'justifications' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun used to refer to a reason or explanation given to support an opinion or decision. For example, "He provided several justifications for his choice to invest in the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As part of list of justifications condemned as heartless by family representatives, an official has told the potential donor: "You come from an area harshly affected by the civil war in this country.

The Guardian

Two US congressmen introduced a bill on Thursday compelling the Obama administration to declassify the secret legal justifications for the wide-ranging surveillance programs run by the National Security Agency.

The Guardian

Speaking at a party for "on-air and on-screen" stars last week, he chose "talent" as his subject, bullishly arguing that the BBC's role as "a patron of performers, writers, and film-makers" is one of the strongest justifications of the licence fee, and listing successes - such as the BBC2 series Picture This and 10 x 10 - in giving newcomers their first break.

The Guardian

Additionally, audits are cursory, incomplete, and easily fooled by fake justifications.

The Guardian

When the news came in last Friday that the British economy was shrinking yet again, I slogged through the GDP report, the City analyses and the this-is- going-to-hurt-you-more-than-it-ever-hurts-us justifications by cabinet ministers.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Both in terms of the justifications for an invasion and in terms of the mission and the plan for the invasion, the administration's arguments just don't add up," Feingold said.

The Guardian

Their lawyer, Jules Carey from the civil liberties firm Bindmans, said : "It is not only right but imperative for the health of our democracy that police forces are challenged when they use spy tactics that undermine freedom of speech and rights to protest without the strongest of justifications".

The Guardian

Lastly, slums are often blamed for the actual flooding, and that can enter into justifications for demolition".

The Guardian

Already we know that electronic surveillance has been used in this country for purposes other than the perennial justifications of catching terrorists, foiling foreign spies and preventing military attacks.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am heartened that the physical autonomy of young African and Asian girls is being taken seriously, and I hope that concrete assistance will be given to those at risk: the physical, psychological and social harm of FGM fails women, and whatever justifications kept it alive for millennia, have no weight against the idea that a child's body is perfect and healthy the way it is made.

The Guardian - Opinion

The article offered several religious justifications for this, among them the claim that it would halt debauchery.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "justifications", ensure the reasons provided are relevant and adequately support the decision or action being explained.

Common error

Avoid relying on overly broad or unsubstantiated "justifications". Provide specific and verifiable details to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "justifications" is to serve as a plural noun, denoting multiple reasons or explanations offered to defend or validate an action, decision, or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "justifications" functions as a plural noun, signifying reasons or explanations provided to support something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and formal contexts. It's important to ensure that the "justifications" you provide are specific and relevant, avoiding vagueness. Alternatives such as "rationales" or "reasons" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use the correct form, "justification" for singular and "justifications" for plural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rationales

This alternative emphasizes the logical basis for a decision or action.

reasons

A more general term referring to the cause, explanation, or defense of something.

explanations

Focuses on clarifying the reasons or causes behind an action or event.

grounds

Highlights the basis or foundation upon which a belief or action is based.

arguments

Emphasizes the logical structure and persuasive intent of the reasons given.

defenses

Implies a need to protect or justify something against criticism or challenge.

excuses

Suggests attempts to lessen blame or responsibility for a wrongdoing.

vindication

Indicates the act of clearing someone of blame or suspicion with supporting evidence.

basis

Highlights the underlying support or foundation for a particular action or decision.

support

Focuses on the evidence or backing provided to validate a claim or decision.

FAQs

How to use "justifications" in a sentence?

The word "justifications" is used to provide reasons or explanations for something. For example, "The company offered several "reasons" as "justifications" for the price increase".

What are some alternatives to "justifications"?

You can use alternatives like "rationales", "reasons", or "explanations" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "justifications" or "justification"?

"Justification" is singular, referring to a single reason, while "justifications" is plural, referring to multiple reasons. Choose the form that matches the number of reasons you're describing.

What's the difference between "justifications" and "excuses"?

"Justifications" are reasons given to show something is right or reasonable, while "excuses" are attempts to lessen blame or responsibility, often implying wrongdoing.