the main justification for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the main justification for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the primary reason or rationale behind a decision, action, or belief. Example: "The main justification for implementing the new policy is to improve employee productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The main justification for the derision was the fate of the Palestinians.

The New York Times

The main justification for its rule is a campaign against corruption.

The Economist

Strong economic growth was always going to be the main justification for maintaining the legitimacy of one-party rule.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nation-building was in fact the main justification for continuing to occupy the country for so long.

The Guardian - Opinion

OPEC cited expectations of waning seasonal demand as the main justification for the production cuts, but some individual representatives cited other reasons.

The New York Times

Ultimately, industry executives and medical experts point to the health of nonsmoking travelers and workers as the main justification for these bans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

One of the main justifications for the use of the death penalty, especially in the South, was that it served to avoid lynching.

The New Yorker

Since coca cultivation in FARC-controlled territory is one of the main justifications for Washington's military aid package, the meeting was important and controversial.

The New York Times

One of the main justifications for the inequality between labour and capital – that profits are invested for the general benefit – is today especially questionable because corporations and banks are sitting on their cash even as workers suffer insecurity and unemployment.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the main justifications for the huge budget allotments granted Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative (known as Star Wars) was that there was a good chance that the Soviets would go bankrupt in attempting to match us, contraption for contraption.

The New Yorker

By Lawrence Weschler The New Yorker, September 15 , 1986P. 27 One of the main justifications for the huge budget allotments granted Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative (known as Star Wars) was that there was a good chance that the Soviets would go bankrupt in attempting to match us, contraption for contraption.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the main justification for", ensure that the sentence clearly articulates the specific reason or rationale being presented. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient context.

Common error

Avoid using "the main justification for" when there are multiple significant reasons. If other factors play a crucial role, consider using phrases like "a key justification" or "one of the main justifications".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the main justification for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the primary reason or rationale behind an action, decision, or belief. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to highlight the core reason.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the main justification for" is a versatile phrase used to express the primary reason or rationale behind a decision, action, or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While semantically similar alternatives exist, such as "the primary reason for" or "the principal reason for", it's crucial to choose the phrase that best fits the specific context and intended level of formality. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overstating the significance if multiple factors are involved. The high frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian highlight its importance in both formal and neutral writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the primary reason for

Replaces "justification" with "reason", focusing on the cause.

the principal reason for

Substitutes "main" with "principal", emphasizing importance.

the chief reason for

Uses "chief" instead of "main", highlighting the most important reason.

the key reason for

Replaces "main" with "key", indicating a crucial factor.

the central rationale for

Substitutes both "main" and "justification" for "central rationale", altering vocabulary.

the core explanation for

Uses "core explanation" instead of "main justification", changing to a more explanatory term.

the fundamental basis for

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the justification.

the overriding concern for

Focuses on the most important concern that justifies something.

the primary motivation for

Shifts the focus to the motivating factor behind an action.

the driving force behind

Uses a more dynamic expression to describe the impetus.

FAQs

How can I use "the main justification for" in a sentence?

Use "the main justification for" to introduce the primary reason or rationale behind a decision, action, or belief. For example: "The main justification for the new policy is to increase efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "the main justification for"?

You can use alternatives like "the primary reason for", "the principal reason for", or "the central rationale for".

Is it correct to say "a main justification for" instead of "the main justification for"?

While grammatically correct, "a main justification for" implies that there are other justifications of similar importance. "The main justification for" indicates the single most important reason.

What is the difference between "the main justification for" and "the reason why"?

"The main justification for" typically refers to a more formal or official explanation, while "the reason why" is a more general and informal way to express the cause or explanation. For example, you might use "the main justification for" in a legal document or a formal report, while "the reason why" might be used in a conversation or a less formal piece of writing.