rationale behind this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rationale behind this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the reasoning or justification for a particular decision, action, or idea. Example: "The rationale behind this decision is to improve efficiency and reduce costs in our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's the rationale behind this?

The Guardian

The rationale behind this approach is straightforward.

The New York Times

What is the rationale behind this rule?

The Washington Post

The paper first discusses the rationale behind this development.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Supporting it undermined the rationale behind this leadership.

Independent

There is a powerful rationale behind this shift.

The New York Times

The rationale behind this was that humans are fairly phase insensitive.

Cornell University

The sheet of paper includes a series of figures evidently showing the rationale behind this claim.

The Guardian

Given the presence of a perfectly good index, the rationale behind this is hard to understand.

The Guardian - Music

In order to clarify the rationale behind this process, a speculative explanation was provided.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

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

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rationale behind this", ensure the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader. For example, instead of "The rationale behind this is unclear", specify: "The rationale behind this policy change is unclear."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "rationale behind this" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "reason for this" or "why this is" to maintain a natural tone in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rationale behind this" functions as a noun phrase that introduces an explanation or justification. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in academic, scientific, and news contexts, indicating its role in providing reasons for decisions or phenomena. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rationale behind this" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce an explanation or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in science, news, and formal business settings. While it effectively conveys the reasons behind something, it may sound overly formal in casual conversation, where simpler alternatives are preferable. Understanding the nuances of its usage ensures clear and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for this

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary, replacing "rationale" with "reason".

justification for this

This alternative emphasizes the act of defending or proving something to be right or reasonable.

reasoning behind this

This alternative focuses on the thought process or logic that supports something.

thinking behind this

This alternative highlights the thought process and considerations leading to a decision or action.

basis for this

This alternative focuses on the fundamental principles or facts that support something.

purpose of this

This alternative emphasizes the intended outcome or goal of something.

aim of this

This alternative focuses on the specific target or objective.

motivation for this

This alternative highlights the driving force or incentive behind an action.

explanation for this

This alternative emphasizes the act of making something clear and understandable.

underlying principle of this

This alternative specifies that we are talking about a basic rule, law, or assumption.

FAQs

What does "rationale behind this" mean?

The phrase "rationale behind this" refers to the underlying reasons or justification for a particular decision, action, or belief. It explains why something was done or is believed to be true.

How can I use "rationale behind this" in a sentence?

You can use "rationale behind this" to introduce an explanation. For example: "The "rationale behind this" approach is to improve efficiency and reduce costs."

What's a simpler way to say "rationale behind this"?

Alternatives include "reason for this", "justification for this", or "why this is". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "rationale behind this"?

While grammatically correct, "rationale behind this" may sound too formal in very casual settings. In those cases, consider using a simpler phrase like "reason for this" or "why this".