underlying rationale for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying rationale for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the fundamental reasons or justifications behind a decision, action, or concept. Example: "The underlying rationale for implementing the new policy is to improve employee productivity and satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is, however, another possible underlying rationale for regarding ignorance as a threat to self-government.

SEP

"Marriage and human rights do not fall under the underlying rationale for the veto's existence".

Vice

8 The basic needs approach also holds firm ground in underlying rationale for policy design.

Child Indicators Research

For each depiction, we asked participants a series of paired questions to obtain their ranked preference, ease of understanding, perceived susceptibility and underlying rationale for these perceptions.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Ostensibly, the underlying rationale for this formula is distributive justice.

Columbia University

Certainly the underlying rationale for his point of view has the ring of universal truth.

The New York Times

Project stakeholders and contributors do not understand or embrace the underlying rationale for the project.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A major underlying rationale for imposing a substantial fine in a case like this is it's deterrent value".

The Guardian - Business

A major underlying rationale for imposing a substantial fine in a case like this is its deterrent value".

The Guardian

The trouble, as Ted Honderich argues, is that none of these central themes seem to provide a firm or distinct underlying rationale for conservatism.

The Guardian - Opinion

The range of texts and media to which literature students are now regularly exposed, he argues, suggests that the underlying rationale for studying literature is changing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underlying rationale for", ensure that the rationale you are describing is indeed a fundamental and not just a superficial reason. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "underlying rationale for" when a simple "reason" suffices. "Rationale" implies a more structured and thought-out justification, not just a basic cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying rationale for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the core justification or fundamental reasoning behind an action, decision, or concept. Ludwig examples and other sources confirm its function in providing a base explanation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underlying rationale for" serves to introduce the fundamental justification or reasoning behind a decision, action, or concept. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in academic, scientific, and news contexts. While the phrase is appropriate for formal settings, it's crucial to reserve it for situations where a robust and well-considered justification is being presented, rather than a mere reason. Alternatives such as "underlying reason for" or "primary motivation for" may be more suitable depending on the intended nuance. By understanding its proper usage, writers can effectively convey the core logic and principles that underpin various endeavors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying reason for

Changes the noun from 'rationale' to the more common 'reason'.

underlying basis for

Replaces 'rationale' with 'basis', suggesting a foundation or groundwork.

underlying justification for

Substitutes 'rationale' with 'justification', which focuses on defending or legitimizing an action or belief.

core reasoning behind

Uses 'reasoning' instead of 'rationale', and adds 'behind' for emphasis.

primary motivation for

Replaces 'rationale' with 'motivation', highlighting the driving force or incentive.

fundamental explanation for

Changes 'rationale' to 'explanation', focusing on making something understandable.

root cause of

Focuses on the origin or primary cause of something.

driving force behind

Highlights the impetus or energy that propels something.

central premise of

Emphasizes the underlying assumption or proposition.

chief determinant of

Focuses on the main factor that decides or controls an outcome.

FAQs

What is the difference between "underlying rationale for" and "reason for"?

"Underlying rationale for" implies a deeper, more fundamental justification. The "reason for" something can be a more immediate or superficial cause, while the rationale digs into the core logic or principles behind it.

How can I use "underlying rationale for" in a sentence?

Use "underlying rationale for" to introduce a core justification or principle. For example, "The "underlying rationale for" the policy change is to improve efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "underlying rationale for"?

Alternatives include "underlying reason for", "underlying basis for", or "primary motivation for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "underlying rationale for" formal or informal?

"Underlying rationale for" is generally considered a formal expression, suitable for academic, professional, or official contexts. Simpler phrases like "reason for" are more appropriate for informal settings.