rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'rationale' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a noun to refer to a set of reasons or logic used to support a specific position or action. For example, "The company offered a clear rationale for their decision to reallocate funds to a new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, Thomas points to a lack of critical discussion and explanation of the very basis for Prevent's community work, the rationale for how some areas are selected rather than others, and a lack of transparency about the proportion of spending on combating different types of extremism.

The Guardian

Nerijus Maliukevicius, a political science lecturer at Vilnius University who studies Russian media, believes this could partly provide the rationale for Sputnik's expansion into English and local language programming.

The Guardian

The rationale was simple: voters trust the IFS more than they do politicians.

The Guardian

Many of Britain's long-distance paths, such as the Ridgeway, have a historical rationale, and none more obviously so than the Grand Union Canal.

The Guardian - Travel

One FBI memo, which set out the rationale for investigating campaigners in the Houston area, touted the economic advantages of the pipeline while labelling its opponents "environmental extremists".

The Guardian

The rationale is that such promotions lead to unconscious positive links between alcohol and sport, with people drinking more and at a younger age.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are not aware of the full content of these confessions or indeed the full rationale for the exclusion of these men from further consideration".

The Guardian

Exhibit A in the publicly available complaint is the previously confidential 34-page report written by Horowitz, a document that includes his rationale behind the decision.

The Guardian - Sport

In a note this week titled, "Inflate This," analysts at Keefe Bruyette & Woods questioned whether the Fed's tendency to put a shiny gloss on the recovery makes sense: The traditional rationale for [lower interest rates] is to cool an overheated economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

If not, such harmony as has existed in Malaysia could be dashed on the rocks of a sectarianism that provided the rationale for "guided democracy" in the first place.

The Guardian - Opinion

I've been astonished to find after five full minutes' reflection that there is, actually, a rationale.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rationale" to clearly articulate the reasons or principles behind a decision, policy, or action. A well-defined "rationale" enhances transparency and understanding.

Common error

Ensure your "rationale" is specific and avoids generalities. Vague explanations weaken your argument and fail to provide a clear understanding of the underlying logic.

Linguistic Context

The word "rationale" functions primarily as a noun, representing the underlying reasons or justification for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it explaining decisions, policies, or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "rationale" is a commonly used noun that refers to the underlying reasons or justification for a decision, policy, or action. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage. As evidenced by the numerous examples, "rationale" is most frequently found in news articles, formal documents, and scientific publications. To enhance clarity and transparency in writing, it's crucial to use "rationale" to articulate the logical foundation behind actions and decisions. Alternatives include "justification", "reasoning", and "explanation". Avoid vague explanations and strive for specificity to ensure your "rationale" is clear and persuasive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justification

Emphasizes the act of showing something to be right or reasonable.

reasoning

Highlights the thought process used to arrive at a conclusion.

grounds

Refers to the acceptable reasons for an action.

underlying reason

Focuses on the foundational cause or motive.

basis

Points to the fundamental principle or foundation.

explanation

Provides a detailed account of the reasons.

motivation

Highlights the driving force behind an action.

purpose

Emphasizes the intended aim or objective.

thinking behind

Highlights the thought process that lead to a decision

aim

Indicates the goal or intention.

FAQs

How do I use "rationale" in a sentence?

Use "rationale" to introduce the explanation or justification for a decision or action. For example, "The "rationale" behind the new policy is to improve efficiency."

What can I say instead of "rationale"?

You can use alternatives like "justification", "reasoning", or "explanation" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "rationale" as a verb?

No, "rationale" is primarily used as a noun. To express the act of justifying something, use verbs like "justify" or "explain".

What's the difference between "rationale" and "reason"?

"Reason" refers to a specific cause or explanation, while "rationale" is a more comprehensive set of reasons or principles that support a decision or action. A ""rationale"" often encompasses multiple "reasons".