rationales for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rationales for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reasons or justifications behind a particular decision, action, or belief. Example: "The report outlines the rationales for implementing the new policy in our organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said there were other, more concrete rationales for divestment.

The Guardian

Or does life overrule rationales for art altogether?

The New Yorker

These are the two philosophical rationales for copyright protection.

The New Yorker

There are still other rationales for film obsessives.

Independent

The rationales for accepting invitations are often plain enough.

The New York Times

Argentina, Korea, Brazil, China and scores of others all have their own rationales for being excused.

The New York Times

They say: "As it stands, none of the major rationales for the war stand up.

The Guardian

The strategic rationales for Comcast or Disney buying Fox are both strong.

The Guardian - Business

Such development will be of relevance to provide mechanistically informed rationales for translational applications of tDCS.

Nature

Mr. Bush's primary rationales for his veto tend to disintegrate when examined closely.

The New York Times

Fundamentally this raises questions about your educational vision and the rationales for using ICT in education.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rationales for", ensure that the reasons provided are clear, logical, and supported by evidence. This enhances the credibility of your argument or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "rationales for" when you are actually describing "rationalizations". Rationales are genuine reasons, while rationalizations are often post-hoc justifications that may not be the true underlying reasons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rationales for" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition. It serves to introduce or highlight the reasons or justifications behind a particular action, decision, or belief. As evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used in various contexts to explain the basis for something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rationales for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce the reasons or justifications behind a particular action, decision, or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, signaling a structured and reasoned explanation. While alternatives like "justifications for" or "reasons for" exist, "rationales for" often implies a more formal and analytical approach. When using this phrase, ensure that the reasons provided are clear, logical, and well-supported.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justifications for

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

reasons for

A more general term referring to the cause or explanation for something.

explanations for

Focuses on making something clear and understandable.

grounds for

Highlights the basis or foundation upon which something rests.

bases for

Similar to "grounds for", emphasizing the underlying support.

motives for

Highlights the underlying cause or reason behind actions.

aims for

Focuses on the goals or intentions behind actions.

purposes for

Similar to "aims for", emphasizing the intended outcome.

arguments for

Highlights the reasons presented to support a particular viewpoint.

underlying reasons for

Emphasizes the fundamental and often less obvious causes.

FAQs

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

You can use "rationales for" to introduce the reasons behind a decision, action, or belief. For example, "The document outlines the rationales for the company's new environmental policy."

What are some alternatives to "rationales for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "justifications for", "reasons for", or "explanations for".

Is it better to use "reasons for" or "rationales for"?

"Reasons for" is more general and widely understood. "Rationales for" implies a more formal and structured explanation. Choose the one that best fits the tone and audience of your writing.

What's the difference between "rationales for" and "excuses for"?

"Rationales for" suggests valid, logical reasons, while "excuses for" often implies weak or inadequate justifications, often used to avoid blame or responsibility.