Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
require justification for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "require justification for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need for an explanation or rationale behind a decision, action, or request. Example: "The committee will require justification for the proposed budget increase before making a decision."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
A serious case for disagreement-based local skepticism regarding some entire class of intuitions which evades the non-self-undermining constraint would require justification for thinking that quite substantial disagreement with some equally (or more) competent other person has arisen.
Science
Justifying an ordering of values on the basis of capitalist ideology should first require justification for that capitalist ideology itself, which I don't think can plausibly be provided any longer.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
But he also considers modifying his account so that it requires justification for believing primary propositions.
Science
Recommendations for reforming such government programs included requiring justification for use of specific equipment acquired through the 1033 program, imposing limits on the amount and type of military property acquired by law enforcement agencies, and that law enforcement agencies keep records of property they purchase with government funds.
News & Media
Furthermore, the establishment of PACS is an expensive undertaking requiring justification for its cost [ 22].
To this end, the trust is designed with mechanisms for promoting host capacity: it requires justification for the exportation of tissues and exacts a fee from users submitting such requests.
Science
Therefore, changes proposed to currently validated processes usually require justification and are reported to the US FDA for approval.
For some, morality also requires charitable actions, but failure to act charitably on every possible occasion does not require justification in the same way that any act of killing, causing pain, deceiving, and breaking promises requires justification.
Science
It requires justification: one must have good reasons for believing.
Science
It has an ideological objective that requires justification.
News & Media
But he said making distinctions among states requires justification.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "require justification for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what needs to be justified. Be specific about the action, decision, or request that necessitates an explanation.
Common error
While grammatically correct, frequently using "require justification for" in casual conversation or informal writing can sound overly formal or bureaucratic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "need a reason" or "need to explain" in such contexts.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "require justification for" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a demand or necessity for a reasoned explanation. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it implies that a specific action, decision, or claim needs to be supported by valid reasons. The example 'the trust is designed with mechanisms for promoting host capacity: it requires justification for the exportation of tissues' showcases this use.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "require justification for" is a grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something necessitates a valid reason or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in formal and scientific contexts, emphasizing accountability and transparency. While accurate, excessive use in informal settings can sound overly bureaucratic. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what needs justification. Alternatives like "demand a rationale for" or "necessitate a reason for" can offer variety. Overall, the phrase serves as a tool for promoting responsible decision-making.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
demand a rationale for
Replaces "require" with "demand" implying a stronger need for justification, and uses "rationale" instead of "justification."
necessitate a reason for
Substitutes "require" with "necessitate" which suggests something is unavoidable, and uses "reason" instead of "justification."
call for explanation of
Replaces "require justification" with "call for explanation" which emphasizes the need for clarification.
mandate an explanation of
Emphasizes that an explanation is obligatory. "Justification" is replaced with "explanation."
entail providing reasons for
"Entail" emphasizes implication, and the phrase explicitly mentions "providing reasons."
make essential the reasoning behind
Focuses on the essential nature of the reasoning, changing "require" to "make essential" and "justification" to "reasoning behind."
compel a valid explanation of
Highlights compulsion for an explanation, with "valid" adding a requirement of soundness.
warrant an account of
Suggests that something deserves or necessitates an account or explanation. Replaces "justification" with "account."
justify the necessity of
This shifts the focus to justifying the necessity of something, rather than requiring justification for it.
validate the grounds for
This phrase emphasizes validating or confirming the basis or reasons for something, shifting the perspective from requiring justification to establishing its validity.
FAQs
How do I use "require justification for" in a sentence?
Use "require justification for" when stating that something needs a valid reason or explanation. For example, "The new policy will "require justification for" all budget requests over $1000."
What are some alternatives to "require justification for"?
You can use alternatives like "demand a rationale for", "necessitate a reason for", or "call for explanation of" depending on the context.
Is it more formal to say "require justification for" or "need a reason for"?
"Require justification for" is more formal and suitable for professional or academic writing. "Need a reason for" is more casual and appropriate for informal conversation.
What's the difference between "require justification for" and "provide justification for"?
"Require justification for" means something needs a reason or explanation. "Provide justification for" means you are giving the reason or explanation. They are opposite actions.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested