It is tenable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It is tenable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a particular argument, theory, or position is defensible or capable of being maintained. Example: "The theory presented in the paper is well-supported by evidence, and it is tenable in the context of current research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It is tenable for up to 3 years in the first instance, with an extension of 2 further years possible.

Science Magazine

It is tenable that poor living conditions, longer exposure to homelessness, and a lack of usual care may be linked to poorer health-related outcomes.

BMC Health Services Research

They are bold-facedly hypocritical, and I don't think the environmentalism movement as we've known it is tenable or will survive.

The New Yorker

"I just don't see how it is tenable to say that we can grow our way out of it".

BBC

If it is tenable to say that rigidity assures that some sentences or statements like this are necessarily true though a posteriori, further questions immediately impose themselves.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Hollioake added: "Everything is forgivable but, with Peter Moores as coach, I don't know whether it's tenable".

BBC

The idea that we are apart from nature and either don't belong in it or need to make a conscious effort to reintegrate ourselves with it, however, is tenable only once you have made the erroneous assumption that nature is exclusively medium-sized.

The Guardian - Books

Lord Kerr, who also agreed with the decision, said that if "an expert expresses an honestly held view, even if it differs from that which he may have originally expressed, provided it is an opinion which is tenable, he has nothing to fear from a disgruntled party".

Wikipedia

It now seems that no simple view is tenable and combinations of effects must be considered.

Surface and Coatings Technology

It is the explanation — the only one that is tenable — of a remarkable and counterintuitive reality".

The New Yorker

It is unclear whether the packaging and delivery of a pharmacotherapy is tenable currently for many smokers in LMIC.

Globalization and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "It is tenable" to introduce a perspective that, while not necessarily the most popular or obvious, remains a valid and supportable option.

Common error

Avoid using "It is tenable" when you intend to express absolute certainty. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty or that the idea requires some justification, unlike stronger assertions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It is tenable" primarily functions as a means of expressing that a particular idea, argument, or position is defensible and can be maintained logically or with evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests something is supportable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Science & Research

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "It is tenable" is used to express that an idea or argument is defensible or can be maintained. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it is frequently employed in science, news, and research contexts. While not extremely common, its usage implies a level of formality suitable for academic and professional discussions. When using "It is tenable", it's best to provide supporting evidence and reasoning, and avoid using it when expressing absolute certainty. The analysis of various sources reveals that related phrases like "It is defensible" or "It is plausible" can serve as alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is defensible

Replaces "tenable" with "defensible", focusing on the ability to justify or protect an idea.

It is sustainable

Substitutes "tenable" with "sustainable", highlighting the capacity to maintain or support something over time.

It is maintainable

Emphasizes the possibility of keeping something in a particular state or condition.

It is viable

Indicates that something is capable of working successfully or surviving.

It is plausible

Highlights the believability or apparent truth of something.

It is reasonable

Suggests that something is logical and makes sense.

It is credible

Focuses on the trustworthiness and reliability of something.

It is supportable

Emphasizes the availability of evidence or arguments to back up a claim.

It holds water

An idiomatic expression meaning that something seems valid or sound.

It stands up to scrutiny

Implies that something can withstand careful examination and criticism.

FAQs

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

Use "It is tenable" to suggest that an argument, theory, or position is defensible or capable of being maintained. For example, "It is tenable that poor living conditions may be linked to poorer health-related outcomes".

What can I say instead of "It is tenable"?

You can use alternatives like "It is defensible", "It is sustainable", or "It is plausible" depending on the context.

Is "It is tenable" formal or informal?

"It is tenable" is generally considered a formal expression. In more casual settings, phrases like "it holds water" or "it checks out" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "It is tenable" and "It is plausible"?

While both suggest an idea is believable, "It is tenable" implies the idea can be defended with reasoning, whereas "It is plausible" simply means it appears true or likely.