the rationale for this

USAGE SUMMARY

"the rationale for this" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce or explain the reason behind a decision or action. Here are two examples: 1. "The rationale for this change in policy is to improve efficiency and save costs." 2. "We need to clearly understand the rationale for this project before we can move forward with it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The rationale for this was precautionary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rationale for this is clear.

The New York Times

The rationale for this mindboggling universal wiretap?

The Guardian - Opinion

I can see the rationale for this.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't know the rationale for this.

The Guardian - Business

That is the rationale for this story.

The Guardian - Sport

The rationale for this was as follows.

Nature

The rationale for this decision is multifold.

Clinical Simulation Operations, Engineering, and Management

Part of the rationale for this timetable is obvious.

The New Yorker

What is the rationale for this audacious expansion?

The Economist

The rationale for this is explained in the paper.

Pattern Recognition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the rationale for this" when you want to clearly and directly state the justification or reasoning behind a decision, action, or policy. It's particularly useful in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "the rationale for this" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "the reason for this" or "why this" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the rationale for this" functions as a noun phrase that introduces an explanation or justification. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where it precedes a statement clarifying the reasons behind a particular action or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

12%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the rationale for this" is a commonly used phrase for introducing a justification or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, remember to consider your audience and choose simpler alternatives in informal settings. The phrase's high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources underscore its reliability for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the justification for this

Replaces 'rationale' with 'justification', emphasizing the act of defending or proving something to be right or reasonable.

the reason for this

A more direct and simpler way to ask or state the cause or explanation for something.

the explanation for this

Focuses on clarifying or elucidating the details behind a particular action or decision.

the basis for this

Highlights the foundation or underlying principle upon which something is based.

the reasoning behind this

Emphasizes the cognitive process or logical thought that led to a particular outcome.

the grounds for this

Similar to 'basis', but often used in more formal or legal contexts.

the purpose of this

Shifts the focus to the intended aim or objective of an action or decision.

the thinking behind this

Similar to 'reasoning', but can also include more intuitive or less structured thought processes.

the motivation for this

Emphasizes the driving force or incentive behind an action or decision.

the aim of this

Similar to 'purpose', but can also imply a broader or more ambitious goal.

FAQs

What's a simpler alternative to "the rationale for this"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "the reason for this", "the explanation for this", or simply "why this" to convey a similar meaning in a less formal way.

How do I use "the rationale for this" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce an explanation. For example, "The rationale for this decision is to improve efficiency and reduce costs."

Is "the rationale behind this" the same as "the rationale for this"?

While similar, "the rationale behind this" focuses more on the underlying reasoning process, while "the rationale for this" directly addresses the justification or purpose of something.

When is it appropriate to use "the rationale for this"?

It's suitable for formal writing, presentations, or discussions where you need to provide a clear and well-reasoned explanation for a particular action, decision, or policy.