legitimate justification

USAGE SUMMARY

"legitimate justification" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a valid or acceptable reason for something. Some possible examples of using "legitimate justification" in a sentence are: - The company's decision to increase prices without notifying customers was met with criticism, as many felt there was no legitimate justification for the sudden change. - The defendant's lawyer argued that his client's actions were a result of self-defense and were therefore a legitimate justification for his behavior. - The recent government policy has faced backlash from citizens who feel there is no legitimate justification for the restrictions on freedom of speech.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Plaintiffs present little, if any, legitimate justification for these remedies, and in most instances, these proposals are not supported by any economic analysis.

The New York Times

Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said: "There was no legitimate justification for bringing that information to the White House instead of the committee.

The Washington Post

In their experiment, used in combination with a legitimate justification for the request (for instance, that you have another job offer on the table), it seemed likely to backfire for participants.

The New Yorker

We need not consider or decide here whether, or under what circumstances, unlawful activity not directed against the particular employer may be a legitimate justification for refusing to hire.

Cornell University

Mr. Hollande also said that France, like the United States and Britain, would view any use of chemical weapons by President Bashar al-Assad of Syria as a legitimate justification for military intervention, even without a United Nations Security Council resolution.

The New York Times

To take one example, the evidence showed, and the Court found, that Microsoft combined the browser and operating system code with no technical or other legitimate justification and prohibited OEMs (and, to a significant extent, end-users) from turning off the Microsoft browser.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

12.37pm: The Ofcom pair are asked what legitimate justifications could be made for a breach of privacy.

The Guardian

Some of that explanatory job is a matter of moral theory, not metaethics, and involves figuring out what counts as good excuses, legitimate justifications, and appropriate burdens.

SEP

Companies sometimes have legitimate justifications for slow installation of updates, such as waiting until other programs become compatible with the new features.

Los Angeles Times

They argue that there are, in fact, legitimate justifications for laws that limit marriage to one man and one women, including morality, tradition, promoting procreation, promoting family stability, and preserving respect for the institution of marriage.

Huffington Post

"I like Trump because he tells me that I no longer have to constrain myself to thoughts and words that are respectful of others, and frees me to offer my own self-interested prejudices as legitimate justifications for open warfare on anyone I don't like.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legitimate justification", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the validity and reasonableness of the reason being presented. Provide supporting evidence or logical arguments to strengthen the justification.

Common error

Avoid using "legitimate justification" when the reason is weak or based on personal bias. Ensure the justification can withstand scrutiny and aligns with established standards or ethical principles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate justification" functions as a noun phrase, where 'legitimate' modifies 'justification'. It identifies a valid or acceptable reason for an action or belief. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "legitimate justification" is a frequently used and grammatically correct way to describe a valid or acceptable reason for something. As Ludwig AI states, it is usable in written English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its use in various contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, aiming to provide a clear and defensible rationale. Related phrases such as "valid reason" and "sound rationale" offer similar meanings, while writing guidance emphasizes the importance of providing strong supporting evidence. The frequency of "legitimate justification" in authoritative sources underscores its relevance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid reason

Focuses on the reason being officially or legally acceptable.

sound rationale

Implies a logically coherent and well-reasoned basis.

acceptable explanation

Highlights the acceptability of the reason provided, particularly to an audience.

defensible ground

Emphasizes the ability to argue for and protect the justification.

justifiable cause

Stresses the moral or ethical correctness of the justification.

warranted basis

Indicates that the justification is properly authorized or sanctioned.

cogent argument

Highlights the strength and persuasiveness of the justification.

reasonable grounds

Implies that the justification is sensible and not extreme.

proper basis

Focuses on the justification being correct and in accordance with standards.

authentic rationale

Highlights the genuineness and sincerity of the reason given.

FAQs

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

You can use "legitimate justification" to explain or defend an action, decision, or belief. For example: "The company cited increased operating costs as a "legitimate justification" for the price hike."

What are some alternatives to "legitimate justification"?

Alternatives include "valid reason", "sound rationale", or "acceptable explanation", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

"Legitimate justification" implies a valid and defensible reason, while "excuse" often suggests an attempt to avoid blame or responsibility, potentially with a less convincing reason. A "legitimate justification" aims to provide a solid ground for an action, whereas an excuse seeks to minimize negative consequences.

What constitutes a "legitimate justification" in a legal context?

In a legal context, a "legitimate justification" must align with existing laws, regulations, and precedents. It needs to demonstrate that the action was lawful and that there was a valid legal basis for it. Factors like intent, circumstances, and adherence to due process are considered.