substantial justification

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial justification" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something is valid or reasonable. For example: "The court found that there was substantial justification for the jury's decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But when the discrimination is based on race, sex or religion, the courts generally require a more substantial justification.

The New York Times

It will do this despite the fact that it has, thus far, been unable to come up with any substantial justification — real or imagined — for this position.

The New Yorker

Forcing citizens to endure that sort of hardship for a chance to see their government at work would seem to require a substantial justification.

The New York Times

It does say, however, that "policymakers should refrain from constraining scientific inquiry unless there is substantial justification for doing so".

Science Magazine

Likewise no one cares to admit that there is substantial justification for skepticism of a monthly unemployment rate that does not account for record low labor participation.

Huffington Post

(Even then, though, the Supreme Court has since determined that even the government can limit both the content of speech and the ability to engage in speech as long as the government has a "substantial justification").. Ok.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He makes almost no effort to explore the numerous substantial justifications for the second, more generous explanation for Kuhn's influence.

The New York Times - Books

15,52,53 Negative financial incentives typically require strong justification because they penalize individuals who happen to have made particular choices, whereas positive financial incentives require substantial financial investment.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine

George Miller, the California Democrat who is the ranking minority member on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, said, "The N.A.S. study clearly and unambiguously concludes that there is substantial scientific justification for the ergonomics regulation sought by the Clinton administration".

The New York Times

In this case study there is also a substantial moral justification for torture, albeit one that many moral absolutists do not find compelling.

SEP

In this case study torture of the car thief can be provided with a substantial moral justification, even if it does not convince everyone.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial justification", ensure that you can clearly articulate the specific reasons or evidence that support your claim. Avoid vagueness; the justification needs to be tangible and readily understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial justification" when the reasons are weak or based on assumptions. Instead, either strengthen your reasons or use a more moderate expression like "some justification".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial justification" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "justification". According to Ludwig AI, it is a phrase to emphasize that something is valid or reasonable. It is often the subject or object of a verb indicating requirement or establishment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial justification" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a significant and valid reason for something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in a range of formal contexts, particularly in news media and scientific literature. Alternative phrases such as "solid rationale" or "compelling reason" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using "substantial justification", ensure that the reasons are genuinely strong and articulable, avoiding both vagueness and overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solid rationale

Emphasizes the logical and well-founded aspect of the justification, suggesting a carefully reasoned basis.

strong rationale

Highlights the robustness and persuasiveness of the justification.

compelling reason

Suggests that the justification is convincing and hard to dismiss.

valid grounds

Focuses on the legitimacy and acceptability of the justification.

sound basis

Highlights the reliability and stability of the justification.

cogent argument

Emphasizes the clarity and persuasiveness of the reasoning behind the justification.

legitimate cause

Indicates that the justification aligns with established rules, principles, or standards.

considerable basis

Focuses on the extent or degree of the foundation for an action or belief.

significant reason

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the justification.

ample support

Suggests that there is plenty of evidence or reason to back up the justification.

FAQs

How is "substantial justification" typically used in a sentence?

"Substantial justification" is used to indicate that there are significant and valid reasons for a particular action or decision. For example: "The court determined that there was "substantial justification" for the search warrant".

What are some alternatives to saying "substantial justification"?

Alternatives include "solid rationale", "strong rationale", or "compelling reason". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "substantial justification"?

It's appropriate when the reasons or evidence supporting something are not only valid but also significant in weight or importance. This term is often used in legal, ethical, or decision-making contexts where the stakes are high.

What's the difference between "substantial justification" and "some justification"?

"Substantial justification" implies a strong and significant reason, while "some justification" suggests only a partial or weak reason. The former is more convincing and carries greater weight.