What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rationale
Example
The rationale behind the new policy is to increase efficiency. [rationale: noun]
Example
She explained the rationale for her decision to take a year off from work. [rationale: noun]
grounds
Example
There are no grounds for his accusations. [grounds: noun]
Example
She has grounds to file a complaint against her employer. [grounds: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grounds is more commonly used than rationale in everyday language. Grounds is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rationale is less common and is typically used in academic or professional writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rationale and grounds?
Rationale is more formal than grounds. It is often used in academic or professional writing to provide a logical basis for an argument or idea, while grounds can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
