rationalize this statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rationalize this statement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide a logical explanation or justification for a particular statement or idea. Example: "Before we proceed, can you rationalize this statement so that everyone understands the reasoning behind it?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The only way we can rationalize this statement would be that although the price of electricity increased from 1995 to 2001, consumers in this income bracket either accumulated more appliances or appliances which consume more electricity, without suspecting or caring about a possible increase in electricity prices.

Chemistry Central Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They have to rationalize this system".

The New York Times

"It's easy to rationalize this," Accorsi said.

The New York Times - Magazine

If you're smart, there's got to be some way to rationalize this.

The New Yorker

Formal equality of opportunity as characterized in this entry would not rationalize this legal policy.

SEP

Arguments are developed to rationalize this observation.

Acta Materialia

Analysts rationalize this anomaly by saying Yahoo could achieve 90% gross income margins la Microsoft.

Forbes

So how does Marvel rationalize this?

Huffington Post

They may rationalize this notion by thinking, "Of course!

Huffington Post

How can we possibly rationalize this behavior in adults?

Huffington Post

In the current report we attempted to rationalize this link.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rationalize this statement", ensure you are genuinely seeking a logical explanation, not simply dismissing it. Consider the speaker's perspective and potential biases.

Common error

Avoid using "rationalize this statement" when you actually want someone to justify their actions. Rationalization often implies finding a convenient, but not necessarily correct, explanation, while justification seeks a more valid and ethical basis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rationalize this statement" functions as a request for explanation or justification. It prompts someone to provide a logical basis or reason for a given statement, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rationalize this statement" is a grammatically correct phrase used to request a logical explanation or justification for a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English across various contexts, although it carries a slightly formal tone. While "justify this statement" and "explain this statement" serve as direct alternatives, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use this phrase when seeking a genuine rationale, and avoid confusing it with a simple request for explanation. The phrase is mostly found in Science, News & Media and Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justify this statement

Replaces "rationalize" with a more direct synonym, focusing on providing reasons to support the statement.

explain this statement

Offers a broader request for clarification, rather than specifically seeking a justification.

provide a rationale for this statement

Uses a more formal tone, asking for a reasoned basis for the statement.

give reasons for this statement

Simplifies the request, focusing on the provision of reasons.

account for this statement

Asks for an explanation of the statement, often implying a need to reconcile it with other information.

defend this statement

Shifts the focus to defending the statement against potential criticism.

support this statement with evidence

Emphasizes the need for concrete evidence to back up the statement.

make sense of this statement

Focuses on understanding the statement, rather than necessarily agreeing with it.

clarify this statement

Seeks a clearer and more understandable version of the statement.

validate this statement

Implies a need to confirm the truth or accuracy of the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "rationalize this statement" in a sentence?

You can use "rationalize this statement" to ask someone to provide a logical explanation or justification for a particular claim or idea. For instance, "Before we proceed, can you rationalize this statement so that everyone understands the reasoning behind it?"

What does it mean to "rationalize this statement"?

To "rationalize this statement" means to provide a seemingly logical explanation for it, often in an attempt to make it appear consistent with one's beliefs or actions, even if the explanation isn't entirely accurate or justifiable. It's about finding a way to make sense of something, even if it requires some mental gymnastics.

What are some alternatives to saying "rationalize this statement"?

You can use alternatives like "justify this statement", "explain this statement", or "provide a rationale for this statement" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "rationalize this statement" the same as "explain this statement"?

While both phrases involve seeking understanding, "rationalize this statement" often implies a need to find a way to make the statement consistent or acceptable, potentially even if it requires twisting the logic. "Explain this statement" is a more neutral request for clarification.