underlying justification

USAGE SUMMARY

'underlying justification' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to reasons or arguments which support a position or opinion. For example, "The underlying justification for this policy is that it will provide greater security for our citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

That's the underlying justification.

The New York Times

Music that seems to question itself and its underlying justification even as it beguiles you.

The New Yorker

The underlying justification for the dichotomy seems to be: we're at war.(Photo credit: AFP).

The Economist

Because prevention of ALD is the underlying justification for TDR, studies investigating the validity of this concept are essential.

The Spine Journal

It was relied on by the UK in the Kosovo crisis and is the underlying justification for the No-Fly Zones.

The Guardian

The Israeli leader has frequently cited public threats by Iran's government to eradicate Israel as an underlying justification for his militant position toward Iran on the nuclear issue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

While the proposal technically leaves the mercury restrictions in place, by revising the underlying justifications for them the administration has opened the door for coal mining companies, which have long opposed the rules, to challenge them in court.

The New York Times

Having staked out his owns claims about the postwar origins of human rights discourse in his acclaimed "Last Utopia, " Moyn, in this volume, takes issue with rival conceptions including, especially, those that underlie justifications of humanitarian intervention "From the Hardcover edition".. 1. Aufl. - Bad Langensalza : Rockstuhl, c2006.

Stanford University

He is working to eliminate the underlying legal justification for Israel's self-definition as a special-case society.

The New York Times

The underlying economic justification for this analysis is spatial arbitrage (Listori and Esposti 2012).

Agricultural and Food Economics

What choice we make here will depend heavily on our underlying ethical justification of democracy, our conception of citizenship as well as on our empirical understanding of political institutions and how they function.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underlying justification", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation or evidence to support the claim. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated justifications.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "underlying justification" as the only reason when other contributing factors exist. Acknowledge the complexity of situations by recognizing multiple influences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying justification" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately and effectively introduces the fundamental reason or rationale behind an action, decision, or belief, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underlying justification" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly within academic, scientific, and news contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the fundamental reasoning or rationale behind a concept or action. When employing this phrase, prioritize providing clear and substantial supporting evidence, while avoiding the implication that the stated justification is the sole determining factor. Remember that while alternatives such as "fundamental rationale" and "core principle" exist, "underlying justification" often carries a stronger sense of defense or validation. Understanding these nuances will ensure precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental rationale

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the reasoning.

basic rationale

Highlights the simplicity and essential nature of the justification.

core justification

Focuses on the central and most important reason.

primary reasoning

Highlights the main thought process or argument.

key principle

Focuses on the guiding rule or belief.

essential grounds

Highlights the crucial basis or foundation.

main reason

A more straightforward and common way of expressing the central cause.

root cause

Emphasizes the origin or source of the justification.

driving force

Highlights the impetus or motivation behind something.

motivating factor

Emphasizes the element that incites action or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "underlying justification" in a sentence?

You can use "underlying justification" to introduce the main reason or rationale behind a decision, action, or belief. For instance, "The "underlying justification" for the policy change was to improve efficiency."

What's a good alternative to "underlying justification"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "fundamental rationale", "basic reasoning", or "core principle" can be used instead of "underlying justification". Consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing an alternative.

Is there a difference between "underlying reason" and "underlying justification"?

"Underlying reason" refers to the basic cause or explanation, while "underlying justification" implies a moral or logical defense of something. While related, ""underlying justification"" carries a stronger sense of validation or rightness.

How formal is the phrase "underlying justification"?

The phrase "underlying justification" is suitable for formal writing and discussions, such as academic papers, legal documents, and business reports. Simpler terms like "main reason" might be preferable in informal contexts.