substantive rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantive rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the underlying reasoning or justification for a decision, policy, or argument that is meaningful and significant. Example: "The committee provided a substantive rationale for their decision to implement the new policy, highlighting its potential benefits for the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Recognizing the blunt (some might say creative) instruments available to seek achievement of the 90% threshold of Section 253 of the DGCL in the tender offer context and the lack of a substantive rationale for delaying what is an inevitable outcome, the Delaware legislature with a stroke of the pen cured the problem for Delaware corporations.

Columbia University

The normative approach builds on substantive rationale, in the sense that the reason for involving stakeholders is to obtain better results, such as improved public health (Delgado et al., 2011; Fiorino, 1989; Stirling, 2008).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There is no substantive policy rationale for giving away permits.

Huffington Post

The Court had two rationales here: substantive due process and equal protection.

The Washington Post

Supreme Court and examines the substantive basis for their partially divergent rationales.

Columbia University

But since just about any issue could at some point come before the Supreme Court, past nominees have declined to use that rationale to avoid answering all substantive questions about their legal positions.

The Washington Post

Applications should present a rationale that carefully balances important substantive, methodologic, and budgetary issues.

Environmental Health Perspectives

From a substantive viewpoint, there seems to be a theoretical rationale here too, as in the case of the number of item levels.

BMC Geriatrics

In the absence of a deep substantive commitment to the details of the bill, the fallback rationale for passing it ― not just from the White House, but from other GOP leaders as well ― is that Republicans have to act because they promised to do so.

HuffPost

Before beginning the substantive discussion of audition itself, it is worthwhile to discuss the motivation and rationale for this kind of work.

SEP

There should be substantive reasons for collapsing categories (Bond and Fox, 2007), but the authors did not provide a rationale for this choice.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantive rationale" when you want to emphasize that the reasoning behind a decision or action is not superficial but deeply considered and well-supported. This suggests a thorough and thoughtful process.

Common error

While "substantive rationale" is appropriate in formal contexts, avoid using it in casual settings where simpler terms like "good reason" or "valid justification" would be more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantive rationale" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantive" modifies "rationale". The function of the phrase is to describe a reason or justification that is significant and not superficial. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantive rationale" is a grammatically sound and correct phrase used to describe a significant and well-supported justification. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English. While relatively infrequent, it is appropriate for formal contexts such as academia, science, and professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the reasoning you are presenting is not superficial but rather deeply considered and based on solid evidence. Consider more common alternatives in informal contexts. Remember that the goal is to convey a thorough and thoughtful process behind a decision or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental justification

Similar to the original, but stresses that the justification is basic or essential.

significant justification

Replaces "substantive" with "significant", emphasizing the importance of the rationale.

valid reasoning

Focuses on the soundness and logical validity of the reasoning behind a decision.

compelling reason

Highlights the persuasiveness and strength of the rationale.

sound basis

Emphasizes that the rationale is well-founded and reliable.

solid foundation

Focuses on the strength and stability of the underlying rationale.

cogent explanation

Highlights the clarity and convincing nature of the explanation.

legitimate grounds

Indicates that the rationale is lawful and justifiable.

genuine motive

Focuses on the authenticity and sincerity of the underlying reason.

material justification

Highlights the pertinence and relevance of the justification.

FAQs

What does "substantive rationale" mean?

The phrase "substantive rationale" refers to a significant and well-reasoned justification or underlying reason for a particular decision, action, or belief. It implies that the rationale is not superficial but is based on solid evidence or logical reasoning.

How can I use "substantive rationale" in a sentence?

You might use "substantive rationale" in a sentence like: "The committee provided a "substantive rationale" for their decision to implement the new policy, highlighting its potential benefits for the organization."

What are some alternatives to "substantive rationale"?

Alternatives to "substantive rationale" include "significant justification", "valid reasoning", or "compelling reason". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "substantive rationale" the same as "good reason"?

While both phrases indicate a justification, "substantive rationale" suggests a more thorough and considered basis than simply a "good reason". "Substantive rationale" is more formal and implies a deeper analysis or stronger evidence.