provide a justification for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide a justification for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to explain or give reasons for a particular decision, action, or belief. Example: "In order to proceed with the project, we must provide a justification for the budget increase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"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

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

The New York Times

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

"The imposition of subjective moral beliefs of a majority upon a minority cannot provide a justification for the legislation," he said in his 43-page ruling.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Guideline-concordant treatment choices (i.e., not prescribing an antibiotic for an ARI) continue to require no special justification, but a provider must now "opt-in" to prescribing an antibiotic by providing a justification for which they are accountable.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Soon, the panic about social breakdown provides a justification for militarising the disaster zones.

The Guardian - Opinion

This provides a justification for other European countries to refuse to engage in burden sharing.

The Guardian

First, the doctrine would have provided a justification for the removal of Saddam Hussein from Iraq that did not involve the Bush doctrine of military pre-emption.

The New York Times

Chance and risk, in aleatory contracts, provided a justification for lending at interest, and hence a way of avoiding Christian prohibitions against usury.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide a justification for", ensure your reasons are logical, evidence-based, and tailored to your audience. This will enhance the credibility of your explanation.

Common error

Avoid providing superficial or vague justifications. Instead, delve into the underlying factors and offer a comprehensive explanation to prevent misunderstandings or skepticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a justification for" functions as a verb phrase that introduces an explanation or rationale for a specific action, decision, or belief. It's used to clarify the reasoning behind something, as shown in Ludwig's examples. This construction is common when accountability or defense of a position is required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide a justification for" is a commonly used phrase for explaining and defending a decision or action. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in science, news, and media. When using this phrase, ensure your justification is clear, logical, and supported by evidence. Alternatives include "offer a rationale for" or "give an explanation for". Avoiding oversimplification ensures the strength and credibility of your explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer a rationale for

This alternative emphasizes the reasoning or logic behind an action or decision.

give an explanation for

This alternative is a more general way of saying to clarify or account for something.

present a case for

This suggests a more formal and persuasive argument in support of something.

advance reasons for

This emphasizes the forward movement of providing supportive arguments.

explain the reasons behind

This focuses on elucidating the reasons that motivate a decision or action.

argue the grounds for

This suggests a debate or discussion where the reasons are being contested.

defend the basis of

This implies that there's an attack or questioning of the foundation for something.

motivate the decision for

This focuses on explaining the reasons behind making a particular decision.

substantiate the need for

This means to verify or establish that there is a requirement or necessity.

validate the grounds for

This suggests confirming the legitimacy or correctness of the reasons.

FAQs

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

Use "provide a justification for" when you need to explain the reasoning behind a decision, action, or belief. For example: "The company must "provide a justification for" its new environmental policy".

What are some alternatives to "provide a justification for"?

You can use alternatives like "offer a rationale for", "give an explanation for", or "present a case for", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "provide a justification for" and "provide a reason for"?

"Provide a justification for" implies a more formal and detailed explanation, often in response to scrutiny. "Provide a reason for" is more general and can be a simpler explanation.

When is it appropriate to use "provide a justification for" in professional writing?

It's appropriate in situations where you need to defend a decision or action, such as in reports, proposals, or formal communications. Ensure your justification is clear, logical, and supported by evidence.