provide a justification

USAGE SUMMARY

"provide a justification" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It is typically used to ask someone to explain or give a reason for something. Example: Please provide a justification for your decision to deny the request for funding.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one will provide a justification because no one can.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This dossier itself is not attempting to provide a justification for military action," he said.

The New York Times

Intelligence was politicized from the top down to provide a justification for war.

The New York Times

These known risks provide a justification to the fears of environmentalists in New York.

Columbia University

Still, he said the military success would not, for some critics, provide a justification for the war.

The New York Times

Crime statistics are important but crime statistics don't provide a justification to stop you or me in particular".

The Guardian

The threat of rising inflation is still pretty distant: it doesn't provide a justification to rush things.

The New Yorker

The report calls on the immigration minister to provide a justification for the use of public interest immunity.

The Guardian

"Sex is the quickest way in which to establish the relationship and provide a justification for the player to pursue this woman," he continues.

The Guardian - Tech

A brisk trade with China might provide a justification no one ever thought of for the Vietnam war, & over the decades might repay the cost of that enterprise.

The New Yorker

The result of the model compares well with observed decay profile of some existing LEO satellites and provide a justification of the theoretical considerations used here.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide a justification", ensure that the reasons you offer are logically sound and supported by evidence. Avoid relying on personal opinions or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

A common error is to "provide a justification" that lacks sufficient supporting evidence. Always back up your reasoning with facts, data, or credible sources to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a justification" functions as a request or directive, typically used to solicit a detailed explanation or defense of an action, decision, or belief. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from legal and political arguments to scientific explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

46%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide a justification" is a commonly used phrase that serves to request or offer an explanation, often in response to scrutiny or doubt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse fields. From news and media to science and academia, this phrase helps ensure transparency and accountability. When crafting content, remember to support justifications with strong evidence to avoid common pitfalls. When using, remember that alternatives like "give a rationale" or "explain the reasons" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give a rationale

Focuses more on the reasoning behind something, implying a structured explanation.

justify the action

Implies a need to defend the validity or rightness of an action.

explain the reasons

Directly asks for the causes or motives behind an action or decision.

offer an explanation

Suggests a more detailed account of why something is the way it is.

defend the position

Suggests a need to protect a viewpoint against criticism.

present a case

Emphasizes the act of arguing in favor of something using evidence.

detail the grounds

Asks for a comprehensive list of the reasons or basis for something.

substantiate the claim

Focuses on providing evidence to support an assertion.

elucidate the basis

Calls for clarification on the fundamental principles or facts.

validate the assumption

Seeks confirmation that an underlying assumption is correct.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide a justification" when you need someone to explain the reasons or basis for their actions or decisions. For example, "Please "provide a justification" for the budget increase."

What's the difference between "provide a justification" and "provide a rationale"?

"Provide a justification" implies defending an action or decision, while "provide a rationale" focuses on explaining the logical basis or reasoning behind it. The former often addresses potential criticisms, while the latter simply clarifies the reasoning.

What are some alternatives to "provide a justification"?

Alternatives include "give a rationale", "explain the reasons", or "offer an explanation", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "provide a justification"?

It's appropriate in contexts where accountability and transparency are important, such as in business reports, academic papers, legal arguments, or when responding to criticism. It's also useful when clarifying the reasons for a decision or action to stakeholders.