rationale for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rationale for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain the reason or logic behind a decision or a course of action. For example: The board provided a rationale for their decision to keep the school closed for an extra week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's the rationale for that?

The New Yorker

Hence another rationale for nationalism.

The New York Times

The rationale for the deal is domestic.

The Economist

The rationale for this was precautionary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What would be the rationale for leaving?

The New Yorker

The rationale for this is clear.

The New York Times

The rationale for tenure is still valid.

The Economist

What's the rationale for maximizing protection?

The New Yorker

He gives no rationale for this suggestion.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's a strong rationale for that realism.

The Guardian - Arts

The rationale for this mindboggling universal wiretap?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide sufficient context when explaining the "rationale for" something, this ensures the reader understands the complete logic behind the decision or action.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex language or jargon when explaining the "rationale for" something. A clear and straightforward explanation is more effective than a convoluted one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rationale for" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the reason, justification, or underlying logic behind an action, decision, or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rationale for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that introduces the justification or reasoning behind something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "reasoning behind" or "justification for" exist, "rationale for" provides a formal and structured explanation. When employing this phrase, ensure your reasons are clear, logical, and directly relevant to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justification for

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

basis for

Highlights the foundation or groundwork upon which something rests.

reasoning behind

Focuses on the mental process of arriving at a conclusion.

grounds for

Similar to basis, but can also imply legal or formal reasons.

underlying reason

Highlights a less obvious or fundamental cause.

explanation for

Focuses on clarifying or making something understandable.

argument for

Presents a case in support of something.

purpose of

Emphasizes the intended aim or goal.

motivation for

Focuses on the driving force behind an action or decision.

the why

A more concise and informal way to ask for the reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "rationale for" to introduce the reasons or justifications behind a decision, action, or belief. For example, "The "rationale for" the new policy is to improve efficiency."

What is a good substitute for "rationale for"?

Alternatives to "rationale for" include "reasoning behind", "justification for", or "basis for", depending on the specific context.

How does "rationale for" differ from "reason for"?

"Reason for" is a general term for why something is the case. "Rationale for" implies a more formal and structured explanation of the underlying logic.

Can I use "rationale for" in informal writing?

While "rationale for" is generally suitable for formal contexts, it can be used in informal writing if you want to provide a clear and logical explanation. However, simpler phrases like "reason why" or "because of" might be more appropriate.