right in the name of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "right in the name of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is being done for a specific reason or under a particular justification, often invoking authority or legitimacy. Example: "They made the decision to cut funding right in the name of efficiency, but many questioned the true motives behind it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The major components of a gin and tonic are right in the name of the cocktail.

The New York Times - Food

Instead, Jones put the breeding right in the name of Baffert's wife and children.

The New York Times - Sports

"We put the word 'transgenic' right in the name of the program for everyone to see," he said.

The New Yorker

"We put the word 'transgenic' right in the name of the program for everyone to see,'' he said.

The New Yorker

By what right, in the name of what international accord, could Kouchner go ahead with his mission?

The Guardian - Opinion

But there's the gun, right in the name of her new band, Pistol Annies, a collaboration with the singer-songwriters Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

-- to restrict property rights in the name of downtown revival.

The New York Times

President Newt just wants the right to limit other peoples' rights in the name of religion.

The New York Times

It is not just governments that violate rights in the name of development.

The Guardian

Mr Bush's Republicans have no qualms about trampling states' rights in the name of the greater good.

The Economist

Does it explain our reluctance today to compromise those rights in the name of expediency or results?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "right in the name of" to emphasize that a justification or reason is explicitly stated or apparent, adding a layer of directness or potential irony.

Common error

Avoid using "right in the name of" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound informal or colloquial. Opt for more precise language to convey the intended meaning, such as "ostensibly for" or "under the guise of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "right in the name of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, providing context or justification. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound. Examples show its use in attributing actions or decisions to a specific, often questionable, rationale.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "right in the name of" serves to emphasize a stated justification, often implying skepticism or irony. While grammatically sound, as Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. It's crucial to consider the formality of the writing context, as more precise alternatives may be preferable in formal settings. Related phrases like "ostensibly for" or "under the guise of" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in nuance. Employ "right in the name of" to add emphasis and potentially question the validity of a stated reason, but be mindful of its level of formality and the potential for overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ostensibly for

Implies that something is done under a stated reason that may not be the real one.

under the guise of

Suggests a deceptive appearance or pretense for an action.

nominally for

Indicates something is done or named in a formal or official sense.

by the explicit designation of

Emphasizes the clear and direct naming or labeling of something.

under the banner of

Suggests doing something under the stated principles or goals.

purportedly for

Indicates a claim or assertion that may or may not be true.

supposedly for

Suggests something is believed to be the case, but with a degree of uncertainty.

explicitly titled

Highlights that something is named in a very clear and direct way.

in the declared interest of

States that something is done in what is claimed to be the best interest of something else.

professedly for

Indicates a stated reason or purpose, often with a hint of skepticism.

FAQs

How can I use "right in the name of" in a sentence?

You can use "right in the name of" to emphasize the stated reason or justification for something, often with a hint of irony or skepticism. For example, "They cut funding "right in the name of" efficiency, but many questioned the true motives."

What phrases are similar to "right in the name of"?

Similar phrases include "ostensibly for", "under the guise of", or "nominally for", depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "right in the name of" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "right in the name of" might be too informal for certain types of formal writing. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "in the declared interest of" or "by the explicit designation of".

What does "right in the name of" imply?

The phrase implies that something is being done or presented under a specific justification or reason, often one that is prominently stated or advertised. It can also suggest that the stated reason might not be the true or complete explanation.