a defensible claim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defensible claim" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an assertion or argument that can be supported with evidence or reasoning. Example: "The researcher presented a defensible claim regarding the impact of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I think it's a defensible claim," says theorist Krishna Rajagopal of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.

Science Magazine

This at least appears to be a defensible claim, given that what is relevant here is 'conceivability on ideal rational reflection'.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is unfortunate that the indictment includes language that turns it from a narrow, more defensible claim.

Harvard University

Most famously there was the banner year of 1941, for which John Ford's magnificent "How Green Was My Valley" was named what the academy then termed "outstanding motion picture" (a more modest, defensible claim and perhaps one the academy should revive) while Orson Welles's game-changing "Citizen Kane" went home with only the original screenplay award.

The New York Times

Linda Chavez might have a defensible legal claim that she did not employ Ms. Mercado.

The New York Times

Kerpen asserts the perfectly defensible claim that the 61-cent increase in tobacco excise taxes used to pay for the SCHIP expansion is regressive and so will hurt the poor in a measure designed to protect them.

Huffington Post

And the Wall Street Journal noted that two days earlier, Clinton had made the even less defensible claim — similar to the one we are fact-checking — that "the average CEO makes about 300 times what the average worker makes".

Huffington Post

This would lend support to the more reasonable and defensible claims in the document, such as, "Librarians have a responsibility to develop an understanding appreciation of the traditions and cultures associated with materials held in their collections". Absolutely, they do.

Princeton University

A bold claim, but also a defensible one.

The Guardian - Books

The fort is designed as a defensible battery, rather than a defensive strongpoint.

Wikipedia

It is a defensible posture.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a defensible claim" when you want to emphasize that an assertion is not merely an opinion, but something that can be supported with evidence or logical reasoning. Make sure your writing provides the necessary support for the claim to be considered defensible.

Common error

Avoid using "a defensible claim" if you cannot provide adequate evidence or reasoning to support your assertion. Overstating the defensibility of a claim can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defensible claim" functions as a noun phrase, where "defensible" modifies the noun "claim". It describes a statement or assertion that can be justified or supported with evidence and reasoning. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing examples where the phrase appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a defensible claim" is a versatile expression used to describe an assertion or argument that is supportable with evidence or reasoning. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the claim is genuinely backed by evidence to maintain credibility. Alternatives include "a supportable assertion", "a justifiable position", and "a reasonable argument", each offering slightly different nuances. Be mindful not to overstate the defensibility of a claim without sufficient support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a supportable assertion

Emphasizes the ability to provide evidence or arguments to back up the statement.

a justifiable position

Highlights the moral or ethical reasons that validate the stance.

a reasonable argument

Focuses on the logical coherence and soundness of the reasoning presented.

a tenable argument

Suggests that the argument can be maintained against attack or objection.

a well-founded claim

Indicates that the claim is based on solid evidence or a strong foundation.

a substantiated claim

Implies that the claim has been proven or verified with evidence.

a valid argument

Focuses on the logical correctness and soundness of the argument.

a credible assertion

Emphasizes the believability and trustworthiness of the statement.

a plausible argument

Highlights that the argument is believable and likely to be true.

a maintainable position

Focuses on the ability to uphold the position against scrutiny or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "a defensible claim" in a sentence?

You can use "a defensible claim" to describe an argument or statement that is supported by evidence or reasoning. For example: "The researcher presented "a defensible claim" regarding the impact of climate change on biodiversity."

What can I say instead of "a defensible claim"?

You can use alternatives like "a supportable assertion", "a justifiable position", or "a reasonable argument" depending on the context.

What makes a claim "defensible"?

A claim is considered "defensible" when it can be supported by evidence, logical reasoning, or established principles. It implies that the claim can withstand scrutiny and counterarguments.

What's the difference between "a defensible claim" and "an indefensible claim"?

"A defensible claim" is one that can be supported with evidence and reasoning, while "an indefensible claim" lacks such support and is easily refuted.