a plausible hypothesis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plausible hypothesis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a theory or explanation that seems reasonable or likely based on the available evidence. Example: "After reviewing the data, the researchers proposed a plausible hypothesis to explain the observed phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is enough evidence to make this a plausible hypothesis.

The Guardian - Business

We tested a plausible hypothesis that rosuvastatin use might be associated with acute pancreatitis in Taiwan.

International Journal of Cardiology

But it is a plausible hypothesis, and is likely to get beekeepers buzzing with interest.

The Economist

The most recent theories about the events of the eruption offer a plausible hypothesis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Richard Ostfeld, a disease ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, in Millbrook, New York, said that it's a plausible hypothesis.

The New Yorker

It's a plausible hypothesis, because if you ask for directions to Aberystwyth in the nearby villages the peasants often cross themselves and hurry away muttering".

The Guardian - Travel

But it is a plausible hypothesis; a fresh round of swing state polling could help to settle the question.

The New York Times

Still, this is something to be mindful of, and I think there might be a plausible hypothesis to explain it.

The New York Times

But it seems a plausible hypothesis, and the tools to test it more thoroughly are now in place.

The Economist

My recent tournament partner, who graduated from Yale in 1969, thinks the culprit was coed dormitories — a plausible hypothesis, since finding ways not to think about sex would have become less important as soon as having sex became easier.

The New Yorker

"It appears to be a plausible hypothesis that Dante's sleep, dreams, hallucinations and falls are all clues to a lifelong pathologic trait, and that Dante either knew of or had this rare central nervous system hypersomnia".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a plausible hypothesis", clearly state the evidence and reasoning that support it. This enhances credibility and allows readers to evaluate the hypothesis effectively.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a plausible hypothesis" as a definitive conclusion. Instead, emphasize that it is a potential explanation that requires further investigation and validation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plausible hypothesis" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a potential explanation or theory.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a plausible hypothesis" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a reasonable explanation or theory, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently used in scientific and news contexts. While it suggests a likely explanation based on available evidence, it does not imply a proven fact, but rather a suggestion worthy of further research. Related phrases include "a credible theory" and "a reasonable explanation". When using this phrase, clearly state the supporting evidence, and avoid presenting it as a definitive conclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a credible theory

Emphasizes the believability and trustworthiness of the explanation.

a reasonable explanation

Focuses on the logical and understandable nature of the given account.

a tenable assumption

Highlights that the idea is defensible and can be maintained against scrutiny.

a likely scenario

Shifts the focus to the probability of the event or situation occurring as described.

a viable explanation

Suggests that the explanation is capable of working or succeeding.

a sound proposition

Implies that the idea is well-reasoned and based on solid evidence.

a defensible argument

Highlights the capability to be supported by evidence or justification.

a well-founded conjecture

Emphasizes the existence of a solid base or foundation for the speculation.

a conceivable explanation

Suggests that the explanation is within the realm of possibility, even if not highly probable.

a supportable theory

Underlines the availability of evidence to validate the theory.

FAQs

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

Use "a plausible hypothesis" to introduce an explanation that seems reasonable based on available evidence, such as, "A plausible hypothesis is that the increase in temperature is due to greenhouse gas emissions."

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

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

What makes a hypothesis "plausible"?

A hypothesis is "plausible" when it appears reasonable or likely based on the current evidence and understanding of a particular phenomenon. It does not necessarily mean it is correct, but that it's worthy of further investigation.

Is "a plausible hypothesis" the same as a proven theory?

No, "a plausible hypothesis" is not the same as a proven theory. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation that needs to be tested, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.