Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
the initial rationale for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "the initial rationale for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the reasoning or justification behind a decision, action, or idea at the beginning of a discussion or analysis. Example: "The initial rationale for implementing the new policy was to improve employee productivity and morale."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(14)
the primary reason for
the fundamental reason for
the starting point for
the motivation for
the root cause of
the initial impetus for
the initial call for
the initial inspiration for
the initial reason for
the initial procedure for
the initial paperwork for
the initial deadline for
the initial trigger for
the initial motive for
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
16 human-written examples
They recall that the initial rationale for aiding Contras with money was more circumscribed.
News & Media
The initial rationale for use of organic nitrates and hydralazine (HYD) in combination was their complementary "nitroprussidelike" hemodynamic effect caused by the predominant venodilatory action of organic nitrates and the arterial-dilatory effect of HYD.
As a class, the acyclic nucleotides have long intracellular half-lives, allowing once-daily dosing, which provided the initial rationale for treatment of chronic viral diseases such as HIV and HBV.
Science
The initial rationale for this was a bit mysterious, but it's now fairly clear that it was part-and-parcel of the drive toward war in Iraq, which required that military resources not be unduly tied down fighting al-Qaida and stabilising Afghanistan.
News & Media
The initial rationale for implementing QRIS is to enhance the quality of accessible care.
If the initial rationale for subsidizing fossil fuels was to encourage their growth, that time has long since passed.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
44 human-written examples
The initial rationales for this study were that fulvestrant 500 mg might be biologically more potent than an AI and also that a synergistic effect of combining the two could be achieved.
Science
One of the initial rationales for the development of anti-angiogenic therapies in general, and metronomic chemotherapy in particular, was based on the idea that, unlike cancer cells, vascular endothelial cells are genetically stable and thus less likely to acquire drug resistance [ 1, 11, 12].
Science
The military is "certainly going to hold that option open", Kirby said, although the initial rationale given by Obama last week for the humanitarian end of the intervention concerned the Yazidis, not Iraqis in general at the mercy of Isis.
News & Media
Absent by design from this message is the administration's initial rationale for the war: to protect the United States from weapons of mass destruction.
News & Media
The initial rationale was that crime levels and the number of court cases were falling.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "the initial rationale for", ensure that you clearly articulate the original reasoning or justification. This helps to provide context and understanding for subsequent developments or changes.
Common error
Avoid conflating "the initial rationale for" something with its actual outcome. The rationale is the original reason, while the outcome is the result, which may differ significantly.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "the initial rationale for" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It introduces the original reasoning or justification behind a decision, action, or idea. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
28%
Formal & Business
22%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "the initial rationale for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce the original reasoning behind a decision or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and formal communication. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in articulating the original justification and avoid confusing it with the actual outcome. The phrase finds its usage across authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian and related phrases include "the primary justification for" and "the original basis for".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the primary justification for
Replaces 'initial rationale' with 'primary justification', emphasizing the main reason.
the original basis for
Substitutes 'initial rationale' with 'original basis', focusing on the foundational reason.
the fundamental reason for
Emphasizes the core reason, replacing 'initial rationale' with 'fundamental reason'.
the starting point for
Replaces 'initial rationale' with 'starting point', highlighting the origin of a plan or idea.
the underlying motive for
Focuses on the motivation behind something, instead of the 'initial rationale'.
the impetus for
Replaces 'initial rationale' with 'impetus', suggesting the driving force behind something.
the motivation for
Substitutes 'rationale' with 'motivation', concentrating on the driving force or inspiration.
the preliminary reasoning behind
Highlights the early stage of reasoning, differing slightly from the directness of 'initial rationale'.
the root cause of
Highlights the underlying cause or origin, providing a deeper explanation than just the rationale.
the first principle of
Focuses more on a guiding principle instead of a rationale.
FAQs
How can I use "the initial rationale for" in a sentence?
Use "the initial rationale for" to introduce the original reasoning or justification behind a decision, action, or idea. For example, "The initial rationale for implementing the new policy was to improve employee productivity".
What are some alternatives to "the initial rationale for"?
You can use alternatives like "the primary justification for", "the original basis for", or "the fundamental reason for".
Is it better to say "initial rationale" or "original rationale"?
"Initial" and "original" are often interchangeable, but "initial" emphasizes the starting point, while "original" highlights the source or beginning. Choose the word that best fits the context.
What's the difference between "rationale" and "reason"?
"Rationale" implies a more formal, reasoned explanation, while "reason" can be more general. "Rationale" is often used in professional or academic contexts.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested