a plausible case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plausible case" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation or argument that is reasonable or believable. Example: "The lawyer presented a plausible case to the jury, convincing them of the defendant's innocence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

All Garment can do is give us a plausible case.

The New York Times - Books

Even when the firm has a plausible case, few listen.

The Economist

The New York Times Book Review said it was "a plausible case".

The New York Times - Magazine

"And every time they are pulled over, they will have certainly a plausible case".

The New York Times

There is a plausible case that more secrets are spilling these days.

The New York Times

There is thus a plausible case for selecting a relatively liberal pope who understands the West.

The Economist

She can also make a plausible case that she is the stronger candidate.

The Economist

The providers make a plausible case that the cutbacks could inadvertently reduce beneficiaries' access to some types of care.

The New York Times - Health

Ms. Chavez made a plausible case that she had acted out of sympathy for an abused woman.

The New York Times

Mr. Chailly and the Concertgebouw players made a plausible case for the Cooke version as a reasonable compromise on Sunday.

The New York Times - Arts

Mark Schmitt makes a plausible case against this argument here, suggesting that the left has dramatically overestimated the memo's influence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for persuasive writing, ensure that your "a plausible case" is supported by credible evidence and logical reasoning.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a plausible case" as an absolute certainty. Acknowledge any limitations or counterarguments to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plausible case" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify a scenario, argument, or explanation that is believable and has a reasonable basis. The use of "a" indicates it is one instance of such a case. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "a plausible case" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to denote an argument, explanation, or situation that is believable and well-founded. According to Ludwig, its versatility allows for use in various contexts, from news and media to formal business and academic settings. While not implying absolute certainty, the phrase suggests a reasonable degree of credibility. Alternatives such as "a credible argument" or "a reasonable explanation" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a credible argument

Focuses on the believability of the argument itself rather than the overall situation.

a convincing story

Emphasizes the narrative aspect and its capacity to persuade.

a tenable position

Highlights the defensibility and sustainability of a particular stance.

a reasonable explanation

Stresses the logical and rational nature of the provided account.

a sound justification

Indicates a solid and well-founded reason for something.

a defensible claim

Highlights that the claim is capable of being supported or justified.

a valid rationale

Suggests that the reasoning behind something is legitimate and acceptable.

a well-founded argument

Emphasizes the solid basis and evidence supporting the argument.

a believable scenario

Focuses on the realism and credibility of a hypothetical sequence of events.

a supportable contention

Highlights that the argument is able to be maintained in the face of opposition.

FAQs

How can I effectively present "a plausible case"?

To present "a plausible case" effectively, ensure you have credible evidence, logical reasoning, and address potential counterarguments. Clarity and conciseness are also crucial.

What are some alternatives to saying "a plausible case"?

You can use alternatives like "a credible argument", "a convincing story", or "a reasonable explanation" depending on the specific context.

Is "a plausible case" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a plausible case" is suitable for formal writing, including academic papers, business reports, and legal documents. Its neutrality makes it versatile across registers.

What distinguishes "a plausible case" from "a proven fact"?

"A plausible case" suggests a reasonable possibility based on available evidence, while "a proven fact" indicates something that has been definitively established as true. The former implies potential, while the latter implies certainty.