legitimate basis for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimate basis for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the justification or reasoning behind a decision, action, or belief. Example: "The committee found a legitimate basis for the proposed changes in the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is no legitimate basis for these assertions.

The Guardian

They are not sacrosanct and not the only legitimate basis for the functioning of the EU.

The Guardian - Opinion

Recidivism has long been recognized as a legitimate basis for increased punishment.

The New York Times

Is there a legitimate basis for the cross-cultural appraisal of values?

The New York Times

This does not appear to be a legitimate basis for overturning the act.

The New York Times

Losses directly incurred, as well as gains prevented, may furnish a legitimate basis for compensation to the injured party.

Harvard University

But Goodwin isn't going anywhere, and Terracini doesn't believe the objectors have legitimate basis for their complaints.

The Guardian

"Therefore, we see no legitimate basis for the commission to act as a 'rate setter' and determine how much mutual fund customers should pay".

The New York Times

Nor do the legal ones, since there is no legitimate basis for attacks on Syrian territory without authorisation from Damascus or the (nonexistent) threat of imminent attack.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the government is serious about finding a legitimate basis for abrogating these payments, officials must look to basic legal principles.

The New York Times

Organizers said there was no legitimate basis for denying a permit for the march, which they said had taken place without incident for 11 years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "legitimate basis for", ensure that you can clearly articulate the specific facts, evidence, or principles that support the legitimacy of the basis you are claiming. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "legitimate basis for" without providing concrete evidence or reasoning. Simply stating that something has a "legitimate basis" without explaining why can weaken your argument and make it seem unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate basis for" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates a reason or justification that is considered valid or acceptable, often in legal, ethical, or logical contexts. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legitimate basis for" is a frequently used phrase that serves to justify or rationalize an action, claim, or belief. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears most commonly in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, be sure to provide concrete evidence and reasoning to support the claimed legitimacy. Alternatives such as "valid reason for" or "justifiable cause for" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Valid justification for

Replaces "basis" with "justification", emphasizing the act of showing something to be right or reasonable.

Justifiable reason for

Substitutes "basis" with "reason", highlighting the explanation or cause for an action or belief, and "legitimate" with "justifiable".

Acceptable rationale for

Replaces "basis" with "rationale", indicating a set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action or belief, and "legitimate" with "acceptable".

Sound foundation for

Emphasizes the strength and reliability of the underlying reason.

Good grounds for

Uses "grounds" instead of "basis", implying a solid or substantial reason.

Warranted cause for

Suggests that there is sufficient reason or justification for something.

Reasonable pretext for

Suggests there's an avowed purpose or motive assigned to some action but replaced legitimate with reasonable.

Defensible argument for

Focuses on the ability to defend or justify a particular stance or action.

Permissible justification for

Highlights the allowability or authorization of a particular action or decision.

Adequate excuse for

Offers a reason that mitigates or justifies a fault or offense.

FAQs

How can I use "legitimate basis for" in a sentence?

You can use "legitimate basis for" to indicate a valid reason or justification for something. For example: "The court determined there was no "legitimate basis for" the lawsuit."

What are some alternatives to "legitimate basis for"?

Some alternatives include "valid reason for", "justifiable cause for", or "acceptable rationale for" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "legitimate basis for" and "valid basis for"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "legitimate basis for" often implies adherence to rules, laws, or accepted standards, whereas "valid basis for" simply suggests that the reason is sound and well-founded.

What constitutes a "legitimate basis for" government action?

A "legitimate basis for" government action typically involves a demonstrable need to protect public safety, promote the general welfare, or uphold constitutional principles. This must be supported by evidence and legal precedent.