the central justification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the central justification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main reason or rationale behind a particular argument, decision, or action. Example: "In the debate over climate change policy, the central justification for immediate action is the overwhelming scientific consensus on its impacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The two say the central justification for establishing a no-flight zone over Libya is that the rebels themselves are seeking military help to end the decades of Colonel Qaddafi's dictatorship.

The New York Times

The panel's expected call for change at the C.I.A. would be bolstered by the findings of a Senate intelligence committee report that was made public on Friday, which blamed the agency for systematically exaggerating the evidence that Iraq had stockpiled chemical and biological weapons and was pursuing nuclear arms, the central justification for last year's invasion.

The New York Times

The White House has been under intense pressure to start an investigation into why no one has found chemical, biological or nuclear weapons in Iraq when the administration made the immediate threat of such weapons the central justification for rushing this country into war without most of its important allies.

The New York Times

The most vocal camp, led by Senators John McCain, the 2008 Republican nominee for president, and Joseph I. Lieberman, the Connecticut independent and another hawk on Libyan intervention, say the central justification for establishing a no-fly zone over Libya is that the rebel leaders themselves are seeking military assistance to end decades of dictatorship.

The New York Times

Protection of human subjects This principle has been the central justification for the system of oversight of research in the US and in other countries.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

In Australia, the age-old argument that if they don't sell to India, someone else will, remains the central justification.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Difficulty of diagnosis is one of the central justifications the Pentagon has given, citing the concern that fakers will tarnish the medal's image.

The New York Times

For the first time in a generation, the question of whether the death penalty deters murders has captured the attention of scholars in law and economics, setting off an intense new debate about one of the central justifications for capital punishment.

The New York Times

Once again, in this direct challenge to one of the central justifications for Prop 8's constitutionality, the words 'in that context' are important.

Huffington Post

Legal disputes are settled by the European Court of Justice (ECJ .A central justification for the Lisbon treaty is that Europe has been all but paralysed by enlargement to 27 countries, because unanimity too often remains the rule in the council.

The Economist

The simple fact that most prisoners come out of jail and reoffend is the government's central justification for dismantling the state-provided probation service in England and Wales.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the central justification", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being justified and why it's the primary reason. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the action, belief, or decision being supported.

Common error

Avoid presenting a minor or secondary reason as "the central justification". Make sure that it truly represents the most important and compelling reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the central justification" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the primary reason or argument supporting a particular action or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the central justification" is a noun phrase used to highlight the primary reason or rationale behind an action, argument, or belief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overstating the importance of secondary reasons. Alternatives such as "the main rationale", "the primary reason", and "the key argument" can offer slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main rationale

Replaces "justification" with "rationale", emphasizing the reasoning or logic behind something.

the primary reason

Focuses on the cause or motive as the key element.

the key argument

Highlights the central point used to support a claim or position.

the fundamental basis

Emphasizes the underlying foundation or principle.

the core premise

Identifies the essential assumption or proposition.

the principal ground

Stresses the major reason or foundation.

the chief motive

Highlights the driving force or incentive.

the overriding consideration

Indicates the most important factor influencing a decision.

the essential cause

Pinpoints the necessary element that brings about a result.

the underpinning logic

Focuses on the reasoning that supports or validates something.

FAQs

What does "the central justification" mean?

It refers to the primary or most important reason used to support or defend a particular action, belief, or decision.

How can I use "the central justification" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce the main reason for something. For example: "The central justification for the policy is to improve public safety."

What are some alternatives to "the central justification"?

You can use alternatives like "the main rationale", "the primary reason", or "the key argument" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "the central justification" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the most important reason behind something, especially in formal or analytical writing.