This verb presents reasons for an action or shows that it is reasonable.

The idea

Use justify with a noun or an -ing action: justify a decision, justify spending.

Examples

  • The mayor justified the decision with evidence.
  • Can we justify spending more on repairs?
  • The results justify a second experiment.
  • No excuse can justify that behaviour.
  • They justified changing the route because of the storm.
  • The extra cost is justified by the longer warranty.

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Watch out

Do not use an infinitive for the action: say justify spending, not justify to spend.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct form. The council justified ___ the library early. (closing / to close)

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    closing

    Closing names the action being defended.

  2. Choose the correct form. Yesterday the director ___ the expense. (justified / justify)

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    justified

    Justified describes the completed explanation.

  3. Choose the correct form. Can the figures ___ another investment? (justify / justifies)

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    justify

    Justify follows the modal can.

Use it today

Describe a decision and the evidence that could justify it.