to be justified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be justified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether an action, belief, or decision is warranted or reasonable based on the circumstances. Example: "Her actions can be seen as to be justified given the context of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fears tend to be justified.

The New York Times - Books

You want your feelings to be justified.

The New York Times

The trepidation turned out to be justified.

The New York Times

Their fears turned out to be justified.

The New York Times

The Pakistan exposure appears to be justified.

The Guardian

His regrets seem to be justified.

The New York Times

Their skepticism turned out to be justified.

The New York Times

And these headlines appear to be justified.

The Guardian

Some of these notions appear to be justified.

The New York Times - Magazine

The cost of everything had to be justified.

The Guardian - Arts

The lawyer believes such concerns to be justified.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be justified", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being justified and the reasons or evidence supporting it. This enhances clarity and persuasiveness.

Common error

Avoid stating that something needs "to be justified" without offering the justification. Always provide clear reasons or evidence to support the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be justified" functions primarily as part of an infinitive phrase, often serving as a complement to a verb or adjective. It indicates the need for or possibility of providing a rationale or explanation for an action, decision, or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be justified" is a versatile infinitive phrase widely used across various contexts to denote the need for a rationale or validation. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently encountered. Its application spans from news and media to scientific research, emphasizing its importance in reasoned discourse. Understanding its purpose, function, and appropriate usage is crucial for effective communication. Alternatives like "to be warranted" can add nuance, while avoiding overuse and unsubstantiated claims ensures clarity and persuasiveness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be warranted

Emphasizes the necessity or appropriateness of something.

to be vindicated

Suggests being proven right or cleared from blame.

to be substantiated

Focuses on providing evidence to support a claim or action.

to be validated

Highlights the confirmation or establishment of the truth or legitimacy of something.

to be legitimized

Implies making something acceptable or lawful.

to be rationalized

Involves finding or creating a logical explanation for something, sometimes after the fact.

to be excused

Suggests that there are reasons for overlooking or forgiving a fault or offense.

to be defended

Focuses on protecting or arguing in favor of something against criticism or attack.

to be supported

Indicates that there are reasons or evidence that back up a particular action or belief.

to be acceptable

Implies that something meets the required standards or conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "to be justified" in a sentence?

Use "to be justified" when explaining that an action, decision, or belief is reasonable or warranted based on the available information. For example, "The increase in spending needs "to be justified" by demonstrating a clear return on investment".

What are some alternatives to "to be justified"?

Alternatives include "to be warranted", "to be vindicated", or "to be substantiated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Each alternative carries a slightly different emphasis on the reasoning or evidence provided.

Is it better to use "to be justified" or "to be justifiable"?

"To be justified" indicates a state where justification has been or can be provided, while "to be justifiable" describes something capable of being justified. The choice depends on whether you're referring to the act of justifying or the inherent ability to be justified. For example, "His actions had "to be justified"" versus "His actions were not "to be justifiable"".

What does it mean when an action is said "to be justified"?

When an action is said "to be justified", it means that there are valid reasons or evidence that support the action, making it reasonable, acceptable, or morally right in the given circumstances. It implies that the action is not arbitrary or without a basis.