specific justification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific justification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular reason or rationale for a decision, action, or belief. Example: "In order to proceed with the project, we need a specific justification for the budget increase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

There has got to be some specific justification," he said.

The Guardian

Or the most recent abortion law, which allows pregnancy to be terminated during the first 12 weeks without specific justification.

The Guardian - Opinion

He now supports an Amash-style bill that would prevent the NSA from hoovering up phone records without specific justification.

The Guardian

He added: "They should only adopt an ethical investment approach with specific justification and not on the grounds of individual moral views".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However, a fatwa issued by Isis last year provided specific justification for attacking police and the security forces, led to arrests and prosecutions over potential jihadist plots.

Independent

The specific justification for international intervention in Libya – to protect civilians – was interpreted ever more loosely as the conflict wore on, to the point where it risked losing most of its meaning.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

This return allows for the possibility to show, not just inductively, but "clearly and distinctly," the specific justifications and lines of reasoning of anthropocentric prejudice or species narcissism.

European Journal of Futures Research

Unless we accept that all activities are prima facie unjustified absent specific justifications, it requires an argument to show that disadvantaging another person is itself something that always must clear a hurdle to count as justified.

SEP

To be published separately, in an explanatory document, are specific justifications for the need for each of the elements of the recommendations.

British Journal of Cancer

An unexamined use of the EB concept in applied ethics without context-specific justification should be seen very critically due to its legitimating effect on actions.

BMC Medical Ethics

A curriculum design with concrete teaching activities is supported by the claim that the construction and critical discussion of detailed content-specific justifications of teaching-learning sequences, as the core business of science education research, are only effective when firmly grounded in detailed accounts of concrete teaching-learning activities (Klaassen and Kortland 2013).

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specific justification", ensure it is followed by the actual reason or evidence supporting the action or decision to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "specific justification" without providing the actual justification. Saying something requires a "specific justification" without detailing it can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific justification" functions as a noun phrase, where "specific" modifies "justification". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating a particular reason or rationale for something. It identifies and emphasizes the need for a well-defined reason.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific justification" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to emphasize the necessity of a clear and detailed reason. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse domains, with the most frequent being science and news media. When using this phrase, always ensure that the justification itself is explicitly stated to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "precise rationale" or "detailed explanation" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise rationale

Changes the noun to "rationale", suggesting a reasoned explanation that's exact and accurate.

particular reason

Replaces "justification" with "reason", emphasizing a cause or motive that is distinct and identified.

concrete rationale

Uses "concrete" to emphasize a tangible and clear foundation for reasoning.

detailed explanation

Focuses on providing a thorough and comprehensive account.

explicit account

Highlights that the justification is clearly stated and unambiguous.

distinct grounds

Emphasizes the particular and clear reasons or basis for something.

defined rationale

Stresses that the reasoning is clearly outlined and established.

tailored reasoning

Suggests the rationale has been adapted or customized for the situation.

unambiguous reason

Highlights a reason that is very clear and not open to more than one interpretation.

designated basis

Implies that the foundation is clearly specified or assigned.

FAQs

How can I use "specific justification" in a sentence?

You can use "specific justification" to indicate that a clear and particular reason is needed for an action or decision. For example, "The budget increase requires a "specific justification"".

What's an alternative to saying "specific justification"?

Alternatives include "precise rationale", "particular reason", or "detailed explanation" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "specific reason" or "specific justification"?

While both are similar, "specific justification" implies a more formal and reasoned defense, whereas "specific reason" is a more general term for a cause or motive. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and formality of your writing.

What does it mean when someone asks for a "specific justification"?

It means they are requesting a clear, detailed, and well-supported explanation or reason for a particular action, decision, or belief. It is not a vague or general explanation.