legitimate explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimate explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an explanation that is valid, reasonable, or justifiable in a particular context. Example: "The committee accepted his legitimate explanation for the delay in submitting the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

However, there may be a legitimate explanation for this.

Independent

So he has a legitimate explanation for traveling the country meeting with Republicans.

The New York Times

It was a legitimate explanation for Liverpool's inconsistency, not an excuse.

The Guardian - Sport

"There is no legitimate explanation for these events nor any possibility that they escaped Picower's notice," the trustee asserted in the filing on Thursday.

The New York Times

"There may be a legitimate explanation here because the White House counsel had responsibility for handling these documents," said Beth Nolan, White House counsel under President Clinton.

The New York Times

In a briefing with reporters, Lady Amos cited Mr. Mbeki's role as a negotiator between Mr. Mugabe's ZANU-PF party and the opposition as a legitimate explanation for his reluctance to confront his fellow leader.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He also has insisted that the agency is private and that he has legitimate explanations for the expenditures.

The New York Times

Effective scientific theories magnify understanding, help supply legitimate explanations, and assist in formulating predictions.

SEP

Ramsey (1997) argues that though we may attribute symbolic representations to neural nets, those attributions do not figure in legitimate explanations of the model's behavior.

SEP

Klein notes that proponents of scientifically-based multiple realizability can find terms in special sciences that figure in legitimate explanations, and so appear to refer to projectable multiply realize kinds.

SEP

Imagine further that there's a witness, Ms. B, who could support this contention by testifying that she observed several conversations in which others gave Mr. A legitimate explanations for the payments before they were made.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legitimate explanation", ensure the context provides enough information for the audience to understand why the explanation is considered valid or justifiable.

Common error

Avoid using "legitimate explanation" without providing supporting details. Clearly articulate why the explanation is valid to prevent ambiguity or skepticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate explanation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'legitimate' modifies the noun 'explanation'. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. It is used to describe an explanation that is considered valid, reasonable, or justifiable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legitimate explanation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote a valid, justifiable, and reasonable reason for something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples provided highlight its usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure you provide enough context to support the explanation's legitimacy. Alternative phrases such as "valid justification" or "reasonable rationale" can be used to add nuance to your writing. Avoid overuse without sufficient detail to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid justification

Focuses on the correctness and acceptability of the reason.

reasonable rationale

Emphasizes the logical and sensible nature of the explanation.

authentic justification

Focuses on the genuineness and lack of fabrication in the explanation.

justifiable reason

Highlights the defensible aspect of the provided cause.

well-founded explanation

Emphasizes the substantial basis and supporting evidence for the reason.

sound explanation

Focuses on the solidity and well-founded nature of the reason.

credible explanation

Stresses the believability and trustworthiness of the account.

acceptable excuse

Suggests a reason that is tolerated, though perhaps not ideal.

plausible account

Indicates that the explanation is believable and credible.

tenable reason

Highlights that the explanation is able to be defended or maintained.

FAQs

How can I use "legitimate explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "legitimate explanation" to describe a valid reason or justification for something. For example, "The company provided a "legitimate explanation" for the sudden price increase."

What are some alternatives to "legitimate explanation"?

Alternatives to "legitimate explanation" include "valid justification", "reasonable rationale", or "justifiable reason" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "legitimate explanation" and "excuse"?

"Legitimate explanation" implies a valid and justifiable reason, while "excuse" often suggests an attempt to avoid blame or responsibility, potentially without genuine validity. Therefore, consider using "plausible account" instead of "excuse" if you are looking for a valid option.

When is it appropriate to use "legitimate explanation" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "legitimate explanation" in formal writing when you need to convey that a reason or justification is officially recognized, valid, or acceptable within the given context. If you seek more emphasis on the veracity of the reason, "authentic justification" could be a more suitable option.