Remotely credible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Remotely credible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is only somewhat believable or plausible, often in a skeptical context. Example: "While the story had some interesting elements, it was ultimately only remotely credible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

But it takes great skill to make this story even remotely credible.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Allen's screenplay doesn't bother to make Val's personal and professional relationships remotely credible.

The New York Times

Could it be made to work well enough to be even remotely credible?

The New Yorker

Sajid Javid, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: "Ed Balls' promise of discipline on spending isn't remotely credible.

Independent

Longing looks and flowery speeches do not make Pip's overwhelming passion for the chilly Estella remotely credible.

The New York Times

The problem is that Mr. Phillips never manages to make the relationship between Julian and Cait remotely credible.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Like Faunia Farley in "The Human Stain", there is nothing remotely real or credible about Pegeen.

The Economist

Simon Armitage has written an original poem, "From the Bridge", which touches on "the so-called Manic Street Preachers [who] were neither frenzied, credible or remotely evangelical", while the Argentinian cartoonist Liniers has contributed a graphic art letter to Tom Waits.

The Guardian - Books

The lesson here is that while we would be ecstatic with a 20 or 25 point victory on November 8th there are simply too many unknowns to believe these numbers are credible or even remotely possible.

Huffington Post

There is nothing identified in recent efforts to discredit climate science that remotely changes these fundamental conclusions about climate change and no credible alternative explanation has ever been proposed that explains the science and what we observe around the world.

Huffington Post

Ed Miliband wrote in the Mail: "There is no credible argument in the article or evidence from his life which can remotely justify the lurid headline and its accompanying claim that it would 'disturb everyone who loves this country'".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remotely credible" to express skepticism or reservation about a claim or statement, rather than outright rejection. This conveys a nuanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "remotely credible" when the subject is entirely false or unbelievable. Opt for stronger terms like "implausible" or "fabricated" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remotely credible" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It expresses a qualified assessment of believability, indicating that something is only slightly or questionably believable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remotely credible" is a common adjective phrase used to express skepticism or limited belief in something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It often appears in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to professional tone. The phrase suggests that while not entirely unbelievable, the subject lacks strong supporting evidence. Alternatives like "slightly believable" or "barely plausible" can be used to convey similar nuances. When using "remotely credible", consider the context to avoid overstating disbelief if the subject is entirely false.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly believable

Indicates a minimal level of believability, implying a degree of skepticism.

Barely plausible

Suggests that something is only just conceivable or possible.

Hardly convincing

Emphasizes the lack of persuasive power or compelling evidence.

Questionably believable

Highlights the doubtful nature of a claim or statement.

Dubiously credible

Similar to "questionably believable", but with a stronger emphasis on doubt.

Not entirely unbelievable

A double negative that suggests a small degree of credibility.

Somewhat credible

Indicates a limited degree of believability, less strong than fully credible.

Faintly credible

Suggests a very weak level of credibility, almost imperceptible.

Scarcely believable

Implies that something is difficult to believe.

Plausible to a degree

Highlights that the credibility exists, but only to a limited extent.

FAQs

How can I use "remotely credible" in a sentence?

You can use "remotely credible" to express doubt about something. For example, "The excuse he gave for being late wasn't "remotely credible"."

What's a good alternative to "remotely credible"?

Alternatives include "slightly believable", "barely plausible", or "hardly convincing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "remotely credible" a formal or informal phrase?

"Remotely credible" is suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts, often appearing in news and analytical writing. It's generally acceptable in professional communications.

What does it mean if something is described as "remotely credible"?

It means that the thing in question is only somewhat believable or plausible. The "remotely" suggests a significant degree of doubt or skepticism.