legitimate course of action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimate course of action" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a valid or reasonable option or decision in a particular situation. Example: "After considering all the alternatives, pursuing a legitimate course of action is essential for achieving our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It was obvious to him that he had lost; he faced ruin; there was no other legitimate course of action for him to take to fight his case," Harbage told the court.

The Guardian

But these were merely entries in a "Parish, School Diocese Loan Trust Account", maintained in a single bank account at Union Bank of California.Such pooling saves on administrative costs and allows dioceses to use a surplus in one area to cover shortfalls in another, often a legitimate course of action.

The Economist

Sadly, this still seems the only legitimate course of action that can even begin to repair consumer and corporate confidence.

Huffington Post

Only eightpercentt of people think that ignoring climate change is a legitimate course of action, but every other voter is clearly unhappy.

Vice

And it is not about accepting the viewpoint that lobbying against peoples' equal/human rights is a legitimate course of action.

Huffington Post

Board members and Bank staff believed that these policies were an effective and legitimate course of action to take (ibid).

Globalization and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Consequently, Peabody [ 17] claims that an organizational culture arose whereby YAWS was perceived by WHO staff as the most legitimate and effective course of action to take in response to disease outbreaks (ibid).

Globalization and Health

Keith Goldner, writing for Advanced NFL Stats: Belichick faced eight fourth downs in the game against the Ravens, seven of which were legitimate questions for the best course of action: Go for it, punt or kick the field goal.

The New York Times

Everyone would prefer that course of action.

The New York Times

Appraisal is a difficult course of action.

The New York Times

"None suggested any course of action.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legitimate course of action", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the action is considered legitimate, referencing relevant laws, ethics, or accepted norms.

Common error

Avoid using "legitimate course of action" when the action's legitimacy is questionable or based solely on personal opinion; ensure there's an objective basis for the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate course of action" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a method or action that is considered lawful, ethical, or acceptable according to established standards. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legitimate course of action" is a phrase used to describe an acceptable and justifiable method or action within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in both formal and informal settings. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase appears across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, suggesting broad applicability. To enhance your writing, ensure the legitimacy is clearly substantiated and avoid overstating its validity. Alternative phrases such as "valid approach" or "justifiable measure" can be used to convey similar meanings. When employing this phrase, remember to provide a clear rationale for why the action is considered legitimate to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid approach

Focuses on the soundness and permissibility of the method.

justifiable measure

Highlights the defensibility and reasonableness of the action taken.

acceptable action

Emphasizes that the action is permissible and meets certain standards.

permissible route

Indicates that the path or method is allowed and authorized.

appropriate step

Stresses the suitability and relevance of the action in a specific situation.

correct procedure

Highlights adherence to established protocols and standards.

proper way forward

Suggests a suitable and ethical method for progression.

ethical recourse

Focuses on the moral correctness and integrity of the action.

defensible strategy

Highlights the ability to justify the chosen strategic approach.

warranted action

Emphasizes that the action is justified by the circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "legitimate course of action" in a sentence?

You can use "legitimate course of action" to describe an action that is considered acceptable and justifiable within a given context. For example: "After considering all options, pursuing a "legitimate course of action" is essential for achieving our goals."

What are some alternatives to "legitimate course of action"?

Some alternatives to "legitimate course of action" include "valid approach", "justifiable measure", or "acceptable action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes a "legitimate course of action" from an illegitimate one?

A "legitimate course of action" is one that aligns with established rules, laws, ethical standards, or widely accepted norms. An illegitimate action, conversely, violates these standards.

Is "legitimate course of action" formal or informal language?

"Legitimate course of action" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the communication.