sufficient pretext

USAGE SUMMARY

"sufficient pretext" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a reason or justification that is adequate but may not be entirely genuine. Example: "The manager provided a sufficient pretext for the layoffs, claiming budget cuts." Alternative expressions include "adequate justification" and "reasonable excuse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Castile's car had a faulty brake light, giving the 29-year-old officer a legally sufficient pretext for pulling him over, several experts testified.

The Guardian

It will give Israel no sufficient pretext to reinvade Gaza, where Hamas's army of 6,000 men can operate openly; will appeal to the world's Muslims for support; and will blame Israel and Washington for every deprivation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The court held today that even in the absence of concrete evidence of discrimination, proof that the employer's explanation is just a pretext can itself be sufficient proof, either as circumstantial evidence or as the basis for an inference that discrimination was the real reason.

The New York Times

More pointedly, the pretext of deterrence is not a legally sufficient basis for separating families".

Vice

September 11th was a pretext.

The New Yorker

But decommissioning is a pretext.

The Economist

The least pretext is enough.

Stanford University

This is obviously a pretext.

University of California, Berkeley

Security is a pretext".

The New York Times

A pretext to detain a foreign national?

Independent

They just killed them without any pretext".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sufficient pretext", ensure the context acknowledges the possibility that the reason provided might not be the complete or genuine explanation.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "sufficient pretext" as the definitive or only reason, especially when evidence suggests otherwise. Always consider alternative or underlying motives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sufficient pretext" functions primarily as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, typically to describe a reason or justification. It indicates that the reason is adequate enough to serve a purpose, even if it may not be the genuine or complete explanation. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sufficient pretext" is a noun phrase that indicates a reason or justification that is technically adequate but potentially concealing other motives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage is more common in news, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, be mindful of the potential for skepticism or critical analysis it conveys, and consider whether alternative explanations might be more accurate. Synonyms include "adequate justification" and "reasonable excuse".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pretextual basis

Directly relates to the concept of a pretext but emphasizes its function as a foundation or rationale.

adequate justification

Emphasizes the validity and reasonableness of the reason provided.

reasonable excuse

Focuses on the excusability of the action based on the given reason.

plausible rationale

Highlights the believability and logic of the provided explanation.

valid reason

Stresses the legitimacy and soundness of the justification.

tenable argument

Suggests the justification is defensible and can withstand scrutiny.

colorable excuse

Implies the excuse appears valid on the surface but may not be upon closer inspection.

ostensible motive

Indicates the stated motive might be a cover for the real one.

apparent justification

Focuses on the outward appearance of validity, without necessarily confirming its truth.

semblance of justification

Highlights that there's only an appearance or imitation of a valid justification.

FAQs

How can I use "sufficient pretext" in a sentence?

You can use "sufficient pretext" to describe a reason that is technically adequate but might be hiding the real motive. For example, "The faulty brake light gave the officer a "sufficient pretext" for the traffic stop".

What is a synonym for "sufficient pretext"?

Alternatives to "sufficient pretext" include "adequate justification", "reasonable excuse", or "plausible rationale".

Is "sufficient pretext" a formal expression?

"Sufficient pretext" is suitable for formal and professional contexts. It is often used in legal, political, or analytical writing where a detached and objective tone is required.

What's the difference between "sufficient pretext" and "valid reason"?

"Valid reason" implies a genuine and legitimate justification, while "sufficient pretext" suggests a reason that is technically adequate but might not be the true or complete motivation. A "valid reason" is straightforward, but a "sufficient pretext" may conceal other factors.