scientific rationale for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scientific rationale for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reasoning or justification based on scientific principles or evidence for a particular idea, action, or decision. Example: "The researchers provided a scientific rationale for their hypothesis, explaining the underlying mechanisms involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is a scientific rationale for the number.

The Guardian

"We need a scientific rationale for picking a particular combination of drugs".

The New York Times - Health

There's not even a clear, scientific rationale for the efficacy of the design.

The New York Times

They accepted on condition that I find out the scientific rationale for the method.

The New York Times

There is no scientific rationale for the idea that a human can travel forward or backward in time.

The Guardian - Books

As someone who commutes by bicycle into Manhattan, I would normally applaud any scientific rationale for more bike lanes.

The New York Times

As bizarre as these things may sound, there is a scientific rationale for cueing users during REM sleep.

The New York Times

Kirsten Moore, president of the Reproductive Health Technologies Project, said Ms. Sebelius had no credible scientific rationale for her decision.

The New York Times - Health

— Ferdinando Pisani, Lima A. There is a scientific rationale for why coconut oil and ketogenic diets may help the brain.

The New York Times

Our increasing knowledge of this natural endocannabinoid system now gives a solid scientific rationale for why cannabis has so many positive medicinal effects.

The Guardian - Opinion

The firm held "elite dinners with Washington influentials" and tried to "prompt members of Congress" to challenge the scientific rationale for an upcoming E.P.A. review of atrazine.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "scientific rationale for", ensure that the rationale is clearly articulated and supported by credible scientific evidence. Provide specific details and citations to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the strength of the "scientific rationale for" a claim if the evidence is weak or preliminary. Use cautious language to reflect the level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scientific rationale for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the reasoning or justification for something based on scientific principles. It indicates the underlying scientific basis or explanation that supports a particular claim, action, or decision. As per Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scientific rationale for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that introduces the scientific reasoning or justification behind a claim, action, or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for use in written English, particularly in formal and scientific contexts. Its primary function is to provide a clear, logical, and evidence-based explanation, lending credibility and authority to the subject at hand. While alternatives like "scientific justification for" or "scientific basis for" exist, it's important to ensure that the rationale is clearly articulated and supported by credible scientific evidence. Be cautious not to overstate the strength of the rationale if the evidence is weak or preliminary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scientific justification for

Replaces "rationale" with "justification", emphasizing the act of providing reasons.

scientific basis for

Substitutes "rationale" with "basis", highlighting the underlying foundation.

scientific grounds for

Replaces "rationale" with "grounds", focusing on the supporting arguments.

scientific reasoning for

Replaces "rationale" with "reasoning", stressing the thought process.

scientific evidence supporting

Shifts focus to the evidence that supports an idea, rather than the reasoning behind it.

scientific support for

Emphasizes the backing or validation from scientific findings.

scientific explanation for

Focuses on providing a clear account based on scientific principles.

scientific justification of

Slight change in preposition and emphasizes the act of showing something to be right or reasonable.

scientific validation for

Highlights the act of confirming the accuracy or soundness of something scientifically.

empirical rationale for

Adds specificity by indicating the rationale is based on observation or experience.

FAQs

How do you use "scientific rationale for" in a sentence?

The phrase "scientific rationale for" is used to introduce the scientific reasoning or justification behind a particular action, decision, or idea. For example, "The study provided a strong scientific rationale for the new treatment protocol".

What can I say instead of "scientific rationale for"?

You can use alternatives like "scientific justification for", "scientific basis for", or "scientific grounds for" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "scientific rationale for" and "scientific evidence for"?

"Scientific rationale for" refers to the underlying reasoning or theoretical basis, while "scientific evidence for" refers to the empirical data that supports a claim. The "scientific rationale for" a hypothesis might explain why a certain outcome is expected, whereas the scientific evidence would present the actual results observed in experiments.

Is it appropriate to use "scientific rationale for" in informal writing?

While "scientific rationale for" is grammatically correct, it's more suited for formal and technical contexts, such as academic papers or professional reports. In informal writing, simpler phrases like "scientific reason for" or "why it makes scientific sense" might be more appropriate.