possible rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

'possible rationale' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to explain a particular decision or opinion that you have. For example: "The possible rationale behind the decision to close the store is to cut costs during the current economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He also offered a possible rationale.

The Washington Post

What possible rationale could there be for such a preference?

The Washington Post

What possible rationale did John McCain have for selecting Sarah Palin?

The New Yorker

He breaks into a knowing smile, musing aloud on the possible rationale.

The New York Times

Then the 70s ended, and with them any possible rationale for perpetuating humanity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The reports themselves reveal a possible rationale for some of the cuts.

The New York Times

We suggest that one possible rationale behind this form of sanction is targeting group-specific deterrence.

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice

But my sidewalk encounter suggested a possible rationale for these purchases: they recalled an era when people were at least candid about their racial views.

The New Yorker

These data provide the first possible rationale for the reduced viral load of patients treated with irradiated blood products containing T lymphocytes.

Nature

As a possible rationale for our results, we propose that increased DST variability may be the result of a re-stabilization strategy.

Gait & Posture

The transformation of vesicles into planar structures is proposed as a possible rationale for explaining the lower doses required when a liposome formulation is supplemented with surfactant PEs.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "possible rationale", ensure that you qualify it further with evidence or reasoning to strengthen its credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "possible rationale" as a definitive explanation without sufficient supporting evidence. Clearly indicate that it is one potential explanation among others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible rationale" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a potential explanation or justification for an action, decision, or phenomenon. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possible rationale" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to introduce a potential explanation or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from scientific discussions to news reports. When using "possible rationale", it's crucial to remember that you're presenting a tentative explanation, not a definitive answer. Therefore, be sure to qualify it with supporting evidence or reasoning to strengthen its credibility. Alternative phrases such as "potential justification" or "conceivable explanation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. In summary, "possible rationale" is a valuable tool for expressing potential explanations, but it should be used with precision and supported by evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential justification

Emphasizes the justification aspect, highlighting that it's a potential rather than confirmed reason.

conceivable explanation

Focuses on the explanation aspect, suggesting that it's an explanation that one can imagine or believe.

plausible reason

Highlights the reason aspect, suggesting that it's believable or could be true.

likely motive

Shifts the focus to motivation, implying a reason for action that seems probable.

tenable ground

Emphasizes the basis or foundation, indicating a position that can be defended or maintained.

credible basis

Stresses the underlying support, implying a believable foundation for something.

feasible cause

Concentrates on cause, suggesting that it's a workable or practical reason for something.

imaginable purpose

Highlights purpose, emphasizing that it's a purpose that one can envision or think of.

speculated reasoning

Emphasizes the speculative nature of the reasoning, implying that it's based on conjecture.

presumed justification

Focuses on the justification as something assumed to be true, though not proven.

FAQs

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

You can use "possible rationale" to introduce a potential reason or explanation for something. For example, "One "possible rationale" for the decline in sales is increased competition."

What's the difference between "possible rationale" and "likely rationale"?

"Possible rationale" suggests a potential explanation, whereas "likely rationale" implies a more probable or credible explanation. Use "likely rationale" when evidence supports the reason more strongly.

What can I say instead of "possible rationale"?

You can use alternatives like "potential justification", "conceivable explanation", or "plausible reason" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "possible rationale" in formal writing?

Yes, "possible rationale" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and professionally introduces a potential explanation or reason.