a plausible outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plausible outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a result or conclusion that seems reasonable or likely based on the available information or circumstances. Example: "Given the current trends in the market, a plausible outcome would be a significant increase in sales over the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

That's certainly a plausible outcome, given Brown's newfound success and Emmy nomination.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is a plausible outcome, and one that could put Mr. Romney's campaign in grave jeopardy.

The New York Times

Virtually anything — from a Democratic sweep to their picking up none or just one seat — is a plausible outcome.

The New York Times

But the United Nations pushed for the Hariri investigation; its integrity is tied up with a plausible outcome.

The New York Times

It's a plausible outcome that matches some of our stereotypes about liberal values: an aversion to human suffering, an unwillingness to rationalize capital punishment and military force, a fondness for candidates who like to feel our pain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Should Walker win the Republican nomination in 2016 (a plausible outcome) and then defeat the Democratic candidate to take the presidency (a harder, though not unthinkable, challenge) he would become the first Alec alum to enter the Oval Office.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Right now, then, a kind of sour spot seems like a pretty plausible outcome for Republicans: A shutdown that lasts just long enough to convince swing voters that the G.O.P. can't be trusted with the reins of government, but also ends with the party's grassroots convinced that they've been sold out by their leaders once again.

The New York Times

So a very painful death is a perfectly plausible outcome.

The New York Times

The romantic angle is Pacquiao via stoppage, and if this fight had taken place five years ago, that would have been a more plausible outcome.

Independent

I soothed this admittedly strange worry – that my favourite sitcom family could have been Trump supporters – by considering a more plausible outcome.

Vice

The effect of changes in Pinnovation was much more pronounced in case of scale-free networks than at small-world networks, which is a rather plausible outcome, since the larger irregularity of scale-free networks makes the re-introduction of extinct strategies a lot more crucial (ESM1 Figure S1.8).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scenarios, use "a plausible outcome" to indicate a result that aligns with established patterns or trends, increasing its believability.

Common error

Avoid using "a plausible outcome" when a higher degree of certainty is warranted. If the outcome is highly probable or virtually guaranteed, opt for stronger terms like "inevitable result" or "certain conclusion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plausible outcome" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a result or consequence that is considered reasonably likely or believable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plausible outcome" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase employed to describe a reasonably likely result. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the examples highlight its use across varied contexts, particularly in news and scientific domains. While interchangeable with alternatives such as "a likely result" or "a reasonable expectation", it's essential to avoid overstating certainty when using this phrase. Its register is typically neutral to formal, making it versatile for a range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a likely result

Focuses on the probability of the outcome.

a reasonable expectation

Emphasizes the justification behind anticipating the outcome.

a credible scenario

Highlights the believability of the sequence of events leading to the outcome.

a conceivable possibility

Stresses the potential for the outcome to occur.

a tenable conclusion

Suggests the outcome is defensible and supportable with evidence.

a realistic prospect

Focuses on the practicality and feasibility of the outcome.

a workable solution

Emphasizes the practicality and effectiveness of the outcome as a resolution.

a feasible development

Highlights the possibility of growth or change leading to the outcome.

a predictable consequence

Emphasizes the causal relationship making the outcome foreseeable.

an expected resolution

Highlights that the outcome aligns with prior assumptions or predictions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a plausible outcome" to describe a reasonably likely result or consequence based on available information. For example, "Given the current market trends, a decline in sales is "a plausible outcome"."

What are some alternatives to "a plausible outcome"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a likely result", "a reasonable expectation", or "a credible scenario".

Is there a difference between "a plausible outcome" and "a possible outcome"?

"A plausible outcome" suggests a higher degree of likelihood and reasonableness compared to "a possible outcome", which simply indicates that something could happen without implying likelihood.

When is it appropriate to use "a plausible outcome" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a plausible outcome" when you want to convey that a particular result is reasonably likely based on the available evidence or circumstances, but not necessarily guaranteed. It is often employed in analytical or predictive contexts.