rationale of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rationale of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the explanation for why something is done or why someone has a particular opinion or belief. For example, "She presented a clear rationale of why the company should invest in the new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hence the new rationale of diversity.

The Economist

"If you follow the rationale of Roper, that's not appropriate".

The New York Times

"They started to doubt the rationale of our system.

The New York Times

"I am defeated by the rationale of it," he says.

The Economist

Political disputes occasionally disturbed the technocratic rationale of the agencies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it erodes the financial rationale of the deal.

The New York Times

witnesses questioned the rationale of the Fast and Furious strategy.

The New York Times

Preventing market failure was the basic rationale of this approach.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It also provides the rationale of her campaign.

The Economist

This work eventually appeared in English as The Rationale of Reward (1825) and The Rationale of Punishment (1830).

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Kipling would certainly have grasped the rationale of simultaneously dropping cluster bombs and food parcels).

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rationale of", ensure the subject you are explaining is clearly defined. For example, instead of "the rationale of the project", specify "the rationale of the marketing project".

Common error

Avoid using "rationale of" in very informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "reason for" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rationale of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the reasons or justifications for something. It connects a concept or action to its underlying logic, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rationale of" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to introduce the underlying reasons or justifications for a particular decision, action, or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English.

While it's suitable for various contexts, it is more frequently found in formal, scientific, and journalistic writings. Remember to use it when a detailed or structured explanation is needed, and opt for simpler alternatives like "reason for" in informal settings. The phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media", "Science", and "Encyclopedias" contexts. Be mindful of overusing it in casual conversations to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explanation for

Offers a detailed account or clarification of why something occurred or is the way it is.

reasoning behind

Focuses more on the cognitive process or logical steps leading to a conclusion or decision.

logic behind

Highlights the logical consistency and coherence of a course of action or decision.

justification for

Implies a need to defend or legitimize a decision or action, often in response to criticism or doubt.

basis for

Suggests a fundamental principle or foundation upon which something is built or based.

grounds for

Implies a sufficient legal or factual basis for a claim or action.

underlying principle of

Emphasizes a guiding rule or fundamental truth that governs a process or system.

motivation for

Focuses on the driving forces or incentives that prompted a particular action or decision.

purpose of

Highlights the intended goal or aim that something is designed to achieve.

intent of

Highlights the planned or desired outcome that someone hopes to achieve.

FAQs

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

You can use "rationale of" to explain the reasons behind a decision, strategy, or concept. For instance, "The "rationale of" the new policy is to improve employee satisfaction".

What are some alternatives to "rationale of"?

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

Is "rationale of" formal or informal?

"Rationale of" leans towards the formal side. In casual conversation, phrases like "reason for" are more common.

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

"Rationale of" typically implies a more detailed or structured explanation, while "reason for" is more general. The "rationale of" something may involve a series of logical steps or justifications, whereas the "reason for" something can be a simple statement.