a plausible assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"a plausible assumption" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It means something that seems likely or plausible to be true. You can use this phrase in a variety of contexts, such as: - In a research paper: "Based on our findings, we can make the plausible assumption that the increased use of technology has contributed to a decline in face-to-face communication." - In a persuasive essay: "It is a plausible assumption that implementing stricter gun control laws could reduce the number of mass shootings in the United States." - In a story or novel: "The detective made a plausible assumption that the victim's estranged husband was the culprit, but further investigation proved otherwise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

No one knows, but it is a plausible assumption.

The Guardian

Given the expectation of rapid climate change on ecological time-scales, no dispersal for ancient woodland indicators becomes a plausible assumption.

Ecological Indicators

It is a plausible assumption that any such formula would have to include all or most of these proposals if a demoralised and despairing electorate is to be galvanised.

The Guardian - Opinion

If "leading from behind" becomes the rule rather than the exception — a plausible assumption given the current inward-looking mood in the United States and cuts in defense spending — European force planners will have to invest in some of these areas.

The New York Times

It is a plausible assumption when we consider the diffusion speed of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Environmental Systems Research

This goal discovery algorithm requires a complete exchange history as input, which is not generally a plausible assumption.

Security Informatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

And, when applying a more plausible assumption of a latency of 10 or more years, the EBRT group would have to have had 63 % higher asbestos exposure than the comparison group in order to fully explain the observed association between EBRT and mesothelioma.

Cancer Causes and Control

The power β is chosen in such away that the frequency distribution of the connectivity of nodes approximates scale free topology, which is a biologically plausible assumption [ 25].

BioData Mining

This perfect agreement, however, is not a biologically plausible assumption; biological interactions, such as enzyme kinetics for example, are known to asymptotically approach but never fully reach a saturation level.

BMC Systems Biology

However an alternative plausible assumption is that participants who fail to provide outcome data are less active.

BMC Public Health

Although this may seem a negligible overestimation, a speculative (but nonetheless plausible) assumption is that overrating breast density might lead to more imaging [e.g. additional mammographic projections, ultrasound, or contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) mammography], more costs, and more patient anxiety.

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a plausible assumption", ensure it aligns with the available evidence and context. Clearly state the basis for your assumption to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a plausible assumption" as an established fact. Clearly differentiate between assumptions and proven conclusions to maintain transparency and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plausible assumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces an idea or premise that is presented as likely or reasonable, setting the stage for further discussion or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms the appropriateness of its usage across multiple domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plausible assumption" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce an idea that appears likely or reasonable. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's appropriate for various contexts, especially in science, news, and formal writing. Remember to clearly justify your assumptions with evidence and avoid presenting them as certainties. Alternatives such as "a reasonable assumption" or "a likely assumption" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use this phrase to enhance your writing and reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable assumption

Changes the adjective to "reasonable", indicating something logical and justifiable.

a likely assumption

Replaces "plausible" with "likely", suggesting a high probability of being true.

a credible assumption

Substitutes "plausible" with "credible", focusing on the believability of the assumption.

a tenable assumption

Uses "tenable" instead of "plausible", implying the assumption is defensible or sustainable.

a valid assumption

Replaces "plausible" with "valid", indicating that the assumption is well-founded and accurate.

a sound assumption

Substitutes "plausible" with "sound", suggesting the assumption is based on solid reasoning.

a justifiable assumption

Replaces "plausible" with "justifiable", suggesting a valid reason or excuse.

a defensible assumption

Substitutes "plausible" with "defensible", implying that the assumption can be supported against criticism.

a well-founded assumption

Uses "well-founded" instead of "plausible", emphasizing that the assumption has a solid basis.

a logical assumption

Replaces "plausible" with "logical", indicating that the assumption follows clear reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "a plausible assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "a plausible assumption" to introduce an idea that seems likely to be true based on the available information. For example, "It's a plausible assumption that increased screen time affects sleep patterns."

What can I say instead of "a plausible assumption"?

You can use alternatives like "a reasonable assumption", "a likely assumption", or "a credible assumption" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a plausible assumption" or "a possible assumption"?

"A plausible assumption" suggests a higher degree of likelihood and justification than "a possible assumption". Use "a plausible assumption" when there's some evidence or reasoning to support the idea, and "a possible assumption" when it's simply not ruled out.

How do I know if my assumption is truly "a plausible assumption"?

Evaluate your assumption by considering the available evidence, logical reasoning, and potential counterarguments. If your assumption aligns with the evidence and withstands scrutiny, it's more likely to be "a plausible assumption".