It is defensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It is defensible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a position, argument, or action that can be justified or supported with reasoning. Example: "While some may disagree, I believe that it is defensible to prioritize environmental concerns over economic growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It is defensible, too: The sheer magnitude of the task of networking high-bandwidth content favors capital-rich incumbents over start-ups.

The New York Times

It is defensible, because to produce and test of this kind of concrete special care is required.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

There has been much to lament about the British Government's response, but in one respect it is defensible.

Independent

He does not think it is defensible for states to turn away refugees on the basis of cultural or religious identity.

The New Yorker

But then again, with the quantity of antibiotics injected into industrially produced chicken and the dangerous ESBL bacterium right now infecting nearly all our chicken meat, it is defensible to state that a piece of fake chicken is healthier than the animal version.

The New York Times

I lead a progressive party I always have and always will do".. "I cannot for the life of me understand how intelligent, sophisticated folk in the Conservative party think it is defensible in the 21st century to have a system that ends up with hundreds of MPs with jobs for life – and they do not even deign to get 50% of the vote every few years".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"The most pressing crisis situation is in Europe right now, so it's defensible that the I.M.F. should have a lot of its eggs in the European basket," said Nicolas Véron, a senior fellow at Bruegel, a Brussels-based research institute, and a visiting fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.

The New York Times

As a decision of law, it was defensible.

Independent

If it's marketplace, it's defensible; if it's enterprise, she can be undercut".

The New Yorker

Don't be afraid to vote for some Tory legislation, if it's defensible.

Independent

Perhaps it's defensible there, since the people being reported are doing the same thing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "It is defensible", ensure you can provide clear reasoning or evidence to support the statement. Avoid using it without backing up your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "It is defensible" as a conversation stopper. Always provide context and explain why something is defensible, rather than simply stating it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It is defensible" functions as an evaluative assertion, indicating that a particular action, decision, or viewpoint can be justified or supported with reasoning. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to express the validity or justification of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "It is defensible" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey that something can be justified or supported. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is most commonly encountered in news and media and scientific contexts. While "It is defensible" is not the most frequent phrase, it carries significant weight when presenting a reasoned argument or defending a particular stance. Remember to always provide clear reasoning when using it, and consider alternatives like "it is justifiable" or "it is arguable" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is justifiable

Focuses more on the act of justifying rather than the inherent quality of being defensible.

It is supportable

Emphasizes the availability of evidence or arguments to back something up.

It is vindicable

Implies a stronger need to clear something from blame or suspicion.

It is maintainable

Highlights the ability to uphold a position or argument against opposition.

It is reasonable

Suggests that the action or belief aligns with logic and common sense.

It is warrantable

Indicates that there are sufficient grounds or reasons for something.

It is excusable

Implies a situation where something might not be ideal but can be forgiven.

It is tenable

Focuses on the ability to be defended successfully, often in debate or argument.

It is arguable

Highlights that differing perspectives exist that create uncertainty.

It is justifiable under the circumstances

Adds a qualifier that the justification relies on specific surrounding factors.

FAQs

How can I use "It is defensible" in a sentence?

Use "It is defensible" to indicate that a particular action, decision, or argument can be justified or supported with reasoning. For example, "While controversial, "it is defensible" to prioritize environmental concerns given the long-term consequences of climate change".

What phrases are similar to "It is defensible"?

Alternatives to "It is defensible" include "it is justifiable", "it is supportable", or "it is arguable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "It is defensible" or "It is justifiable"?

Both "It is defensible" and "It is justifiable" are correct. "Defensible" implies something can be protected from attack or criticism, while "justifiable" means it can be shown to be right or reasonable. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "It is defensible" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "It is defensible" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express that a position or action has a valid basis. Ensure the reasons for its defensibility are clearly explained.