obvious rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a clear and logical reason behind a decision or action. Example: "The obvious rationale for implementing this policy is to improve overall efficiency within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I quite like the way he's pacing his innings, even if – or rather, particularly because – it has no obvious rationale.

The Guardian - Sport

The current arrangement of the Honors has an obvious rationale: celebrities bring in higher ratings and wider press coverage.

The New Yorker

Given that general economic trends are creating greater inequality among the elderly, redistribution has an obvious rationale.

The Economist

In recent weeks, both chucked out relatively new chief executives without much in the way of notice or obvious rationale.

The New York Times

Without an obvious rationale for that, it is only more difficult to persuade New Delhi or Islamabad to curb their own nuclear appetites.

The New York Times

And I realise there's an obvious rationale to simplifying their arguments to attract the attention of those many people who take their view of the world solely from the tabloids.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

There was no obvious commercial rationale for the move.

The Economist

There was no obvious thematic rationale for pairing "Notes on Light" and the "Eroica".

The New York Times - Arts

Osborne has made a fetish out of running a budget surplus by 2019-20, something for which there is no obvious economic rationale.

The Guardian

Certainly if this were framed as fiction, it might be easier to buy Mr. Farrell as a Russian gangster, or forgive the crudely obvious commercial rationale of his casting.

The New York Times

Instead, in the developed world, it created a workforce whose incomes cannot rise, shunted by the million into what anthropologist David Graeber has called "bullshit jobs": that is, menial, low-paid work for which there is no obvious social rationale.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obvious rationale" when you want to emphasize that the reason behind an action or decision is easily understood and requires little explanation. It's effective in making your argument appear logical and well-supported.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious rationale" as a substitute for actually providing a strong, well-supported explanation. If the rationale truly requires no explanation, stating it directly is more effective than labeling it as obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious rationale" functions as a noun phrase, where 'obvious' modifies 'rationale'. It typically introduces or refers to a justification or reason that is easily understood or apparent. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obvious rationale" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a reason or justification that is readily apparent. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While it's a useful phrase, it should be used judiciously to avoid redundancy or masking weak reasoning. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and useful. Consider alternatives like "clear justification" or "evident reasoning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Be mindful not to overuse the phrase and ensure that the "rationale" truly is self-explanatory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear justification

Emphasizes the clarity and explicitness of the justification.

evident reasoning

Focuses on the reasoning being readily apparent and easily understood.

apparent logic

Highlights the logical basis as being easily perceived.

plain explanation

Stresses the simplicity and straightforwardness of the explanation.

self-explanatory reason

Indicates that the reason is so clear that it requires no further explanation.

unmistakable motive

Focuses on the motive being clear and impossible to misinterpret.

patent grounds

Emphasizes that the grounds or basis are openly visible and evident.

readily apparent cause

Highlights that the cause is easily visible and understood.

easily discernible reason

Focuses on the reason being easy to distinguish and understand.

straightforward logic

Highlights the directness and simplicity of the logic involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "obvious rationale" to introduce a reason that is easily understood. For example, "The "obvious rationale" for the change in policy is to reduce costs".

What are some alternatives to saying "obvious rationale"?

Alternatives include "clear justification", "evident reasoning", or "apparent logic". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very obvious rationale"?

While not strictly incorrect, using "very obvious rationale" can be redundant. The word "obvious" already implies a high degree of clarity. Consider using a stronger synonym for "rationale" or rephrasing the sentence for better impact.

When is it appropriate to use "obvious rationale" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you want to highlight a reason that is straightforward and easily understood by the audience. However, ensure that the "rationale" truly is obvious and doesn't require extensive explanation, maintaining the clarity and conciseness expected in formal contexts.