what is the rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is the rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask why someone did something or why something happened. For example: "What is the rationale behind the decision to close the school?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

What is the rationale for that?

The Guardian

What is the rationale behind it?

The Guardian - Sport

What is the rationale for this audacious expansion?

The Economist

So what is the rationale for denying compensation?

The Guardian - Opinion

What is the rationale, aside from pure punishment, of taking away their right to vote?

The Economist

"What is the rationale of erotic depictions in religious art," she asked.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

What was the rationale behind his actions?

The New York Times

What was the rationale for combining currencies?

The New York Times

What was the rationale for making the athletes get the word in public?

The New York Times - Sports

But if those assertions about the threat from Hussein's weapons of mass destruction were empty, what was the rationale for the war?

The New York Times - Books

So what was the rationale for a European Parliament committee vote on March 21st to regulate the pay of investment managers by limiting the level of their bonuses?Is it because the fund-management industry represents a systemic risk to the European economy, like banks?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what is the rationale" when you need a formal and clear inquiry into the underlying reasons for a decision, policy, or action. It's particularly useful in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "what is the rationale" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "why" or "what's the reason" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is the rationale" functions as an interrogative phrase used to solicit a detailed explanation or justification for a particular action, decision, or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in various written contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what is the rationale" is a grammatically correct and commonly used interrogative phrase to ask for a justification or reasoning behind a decision or action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across different contexts, particularly in news, media, science, and formal business settings. While acceptable in various situations, it's best suited for formal communication requiring clarity and detailed explanations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "what is the reason" in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is the reasoning behind

Replaces "rationale" with "reasoning", focusing on the thought process leading to a decision.

what is the justification for

Emphasizes the act of defending or showing something to be right or reasonable.

what is the basis for

Focuses on the underlying foundation or support for an action or belief.

what is the reason for

A more direct and general inquiry into the cause or explanation.

what is the purpose of

Highlights the intended aim or objective of something.

what is the logic behind

Examines the principles of valid reasoning that support a decision.

why is this the case

Offers a more general alternative, inviting explanation of a situation.

what's the explanation for

Seeks a clear and understandable account of why something is as it is.

what's the motivation for

Focuses on the driving force or incentive behind an action.

on what grounds

Inquires about the specific reasons or justifications that support a claim or action.

FAQs

How can I use "what is the rationale" in a sentence?

You can use "what is the rationale" to inquire about the reasons behind a decision or action. For example, "What is the rationale for the new company policy?"

What can I say instead of "what is the rationale"?

You can use alternatives like "what is the reason", "what is the justification", or "what is the reasoning behind" depending on the context.

Is "what is the rationale behind" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what is the rationale behind" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The "behind" adds emphasis on understanding the underlying reasons.

What's the difference between "what is the rationale" and "what is the reason"?

"What is the rationale" is often used in more formal settings and implies a deeper, more structured justification. "What is the reason" is more general and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.