legitimate rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimate rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a valid or justifiable reason for a decision or action. Example: "The committee provided a legitimate rationale for their choice, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in their decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The court reaffirmed that finding in 2003, while also reaffirming that diversity was a legitimate rationale.

The New York Times

If the state lacks a legitimate rationale for imposing on Americans a heterosexual definition of marriage, it seems pretty likely that it likewise lacks a legitimate rationale for imposing on Americans a monogamous definition of marriage.

The Economist

Thus did Blunt swat away the one legitimate rationale for forcing Petraeus from his job because of his affair.

The New York Times

"Many loyal Muslims," he writes, believe that the September 11th attacks "justified the American assault and have given it a legitimate rationale for reoccupying the Islamic world".

The New Yorker

It also implies, through the seeking of clarification, that there might be some legitimate rationale for criminalising your own citizens because of their sexual or gender identity.

The Guardian

The free expression of contrary and dissenting opinion is not a legitimate rationale for internment, despite vague and clichéd state concerns for national security.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

All of these are legitimate rationales, but each would require a different U.S. military and diplomatic strategy.

The New York Times

The proposed guidance to sperm banks has no legitimate scientific rationale and does little, if anything, to advance sound public health principles.

The New York Times

Richard A. Bilotti, head media analyst at Morgan Stanley, said: "There is no legitimate business rationale for a stand-alone broadcast network news group.

The New York Times

However, since the physiological determinants of both are totally different, it is legitimate to challenge the rationale of this proposal.

Annals of Intensive Care

We also proposed that every (or almost every) concept of a system, based on a specific definition of elements and of a self-rationale, is legitimate, as long as the systems theoretical design is consistent and not self-contradictory.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legitimate rationale", ensure the rationale is not only logical but also aligns with ethical and legal standards relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid presenting a minor or tangential reason as the primary "legitimate rationale" if it does not genuinely justify the action or decision. Presenting a weak reason as primary can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate rationale" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject complement or object of a preposition. It denotes a reason or justification that is considered valid, acceptable, or in accordance with established rules, principles, or norms. Ludwig confirms its use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legitimate rationale" is a noun phrase used to describe a valid and justifiable reason for an action or decision. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While "legitimate rationale" is less common, it effectively conveys the idea of a sound and acceptable explanation. When using this phrase, make sure that the stated rationale genuinely supports the action and aligns with relevant ethical and legal norms. Alternatives such as "valid justification" or "sound reasoning" can be used to diversify your writing while retaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid justification

Replaces 'rationale' with 'justification', focusing on the act of proving something to be right or reasonable.

sound reasoning

Emphasizes the quality of the thought process behind the reason, highlighting its logical coherence.

valid basis

Substitutes 'rationale' with 'basis', referring to the foundation or support for a claim or action.

justifiable reason

Combines 'justifiable' and 'reason' to underscore the defensibility and logic behind an action.

defensible grounds

Replaces 'rationale' with 'grounds', suggesting a firm and reasoned position that can be defended.

acceptable explanation

Focuses on the clarity and acceptance of the reason provided, emphasizing its understandability.

genuine motive

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the reason, suggesting it's not fabricated or insincere.

real reason

Underscores the fact that the rationale is the authentic explanation, without hiding other truths.

proper justification

Emphasizes that the "justification" is correct in accordance with the rules or standards.

fair justification

Emphasizes that the "justification" is equitable and impartial.

FAQs

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

Use "legitimate rationale" to introduce a valid or justifiable reason for an action or decision. For example: "The company provided a "legitimate rationale" for the price increase, citing rising production costs."

What are some alternatives to "legitimate rationale"?

You can use alternatives such as "valid justification", "sound reasoning", or "valid basis" depending on the specific context.

Is "legitimate rationale" formal or informal?

"Legitimate rationale" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, such as academic papers, news articles, or professional reports. It's generally not used in informal settings.

What's the difference between "legitimate rationale" and "legitimate excuse"?

A "legitimate rationale" provides a genuine and justifiable reason for something, while a "legitimate excuse" is often used to avoid responsibility or explain a failure. A rationale aims to explain the reasoning behind an action, whereas an excuse aims to mitigate blame.