justifying it by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "justifying it by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining the reasoning or rationale behind a particular action or decision. Example: "He was justifying it by citing the need for efficiency in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Yahya Jammeh staged a bloodless coup, justifying it by citing the corruption and mismanagement of Jawara and the PPP.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So justifying this decision by statutory intent is difficult, and justifying it by precedent is non-obvious.

The Washington Post

In the 19th century, Professor Mearsheimer argues, the United States struggled for regional hegemony by conquering much of North America, justifying it by the notion of Manifest Destiny.

The New York Times - Arts

But there is a more insidious kind of corruption, widespread in the developed world, in which those at the top of society claim greater and greater rewards, justifying it by reference to the demands of the market.

The Guardian - Opinion

It does not take a normative attitude towards science as a whole, criticizing or justifying it by wholly external, non-scientific standards.

SEP

Do you say yes to every single work-related opportunity that comes across your plate, justifying it by saying this may be a potential "big break"?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Some among their number have taken to justify it by saying it merely builds on Ripa.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I wanted to justify it by saying, 'Oh, I worked really hard,'" he says.

The Guardian

Sarkozy justified it by the "much more constructive role" Syria is now playing in Lebanon.

The Guardian

"In the end they try to justify it by giving excuses as if nothing has happened".

The Guardian - Sport

When Speaker Boehner established this Select Committee, he justified it by arguing that it would, quote, "cross jurisdictional lines".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "justifying it by", ensure that the reason provided clearly and logically supports the action or decision being justified. Avoid using weak or irrelevant reasons.

Common error

While "justifying it by" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "explaining it through" or "defending it by" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "justifying it by" functions as a causal connector, linking an action or decision with the reason or rationale provided for it. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "justifying it by" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that functions as a causal connector, used to provide a rationale for an action or decision. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound. While the phrase is considered uncommon, the phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki. To enhance writing, consider diversifying vocabulary using alternatives such as "explaining it through" or "defending it by". This approach helps prevent repetition and maintains reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explaining it through

Focuses on the explanation aspect rather than the justification, offering a more neutral tone.

defending it by

Suggests a stronger stance, implying that the action or decision is being challenged.

rationalizing it with

Implies a more subjective or potentially flawed justification.

arguing for it by

Highlights the argumentative nature of the justification.

supporting it with

Emphasizes the evidence or reasons used to back up the action or decision.

giving reasons for it through

Replaces "justifying" with a more straightforward description of providing reasons.

accounting for it by

Focuses on providing an explanation for the existence or occurrence of something.

vindicating it by

Suggests clearing something of blame or suspicion through justification.

legitimizing it via

Emphasizes making something acceptable or lawful through justification.

motivating it with

Focuses on the underlying reasons or incentives behind an action or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "justifying it by" in a sentence?

You can use "justifying it by" to explain the reasons behind an action or decision. For example, "The government raised taxes, "justifying it by" citing the need for infrastructure improvements."

What are some alternatives to "justifying it by"?

Some alternatives include "explaining it through", "defending it by", or "rationalizing it with". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "justifying it by"?

While grammatically correct, using "justifying it by" might be inappropriate if the justification is weak or unconvincing. In such cases, consider using a more neutral phrase like "explaining it through".

What's the difference between "justifying it by" and "explaining it through"?

"Justifying it by" implies an attempt to show that something is right or reasonable, while "explaining it through" simply provides reasons without necessarily implying approval or defense.