credible

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "credible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is reliable, believable, or trustworthy. Example sentence: The witness provided a credible account of what happened.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have always argued that the deficit needs to come down, but at a rate that is credible.

The Guardian - Opinion

He added: "After a comprehensive review I've determined that we can ensure the security of America and our allies – and maintain a strong and credible strategic deterrent – while reducing our deployed strategic nuclear weapons by up to one-third".

The Guardian

The report concluded there was "no credible evidence" to uphold complaints by Duggan's family that police had relocated the firearm in the sock, that officer V53 did not fire live shots in the belief Duggan was pointing a firearm at him, and that he did not use lawful force.

The Guardian

And there are enough stories about it to make it feel credible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Never was there more tangible proof of the sad lack of a credible political satirist of Jon Stewart's ilk on UK TV than the desperate elevation of Brand to the position of social sage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Partly so you're credible, but also so that you remember what it's like to be with that child who is really difficult".

The Guardian

One possible response: dismantle or at least shrink the eurozone to such an extent that rules become credible (even though advocates of a "neuro", a northern eurozone, tend to forget that "northern" chancellor Gerhard Schröder, in alliance with France and Italy, was instrumental in first weakening the rules in 2005).

The Guardian - Opinion

Nick Clegg insists he will continue to make the pro-EU case, and battle to get the Lib Dems their fair share of credit for the coalition's achievements, showing that it is credible party of government that can rein in Tory or Labour excesses, rather than one sitting on the sidelines without power.

The Guardian

Even so, the Altantuya case won't go away, and Najib faces a challenge for the BN leadership from a veteran ex-minister, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who might normally be considered too old: only the demand for candidates, any candidate, who seems "clean" is so insatiable that his bid looks credible.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There has never been a concrete or credible accusation in his regard.

The Guardian

Universities still have a way to go to ensure that their social media presence is seen as a credible source of information for prospective students.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms of "credible", such as "believable" or "reliable", to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "credible" to describe something without providing supporting evidence or justification. Overstating credibility can undermine your argument if the audience does not perceive the subject as trustworthy.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "credible" primarily functions to attribute a quality of believability or trustworthiness to a noun. Ludwig examples show its use in describing evidence, sources, plans, and individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "credible" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that is believable or trustworthy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. As per Ludwig's analysis, "credible" sees frequent usage in News & Media, Formal & Business, and scientific domains. To enhance your writing, use synonyms like "believable", "reliable", or "trustworthy" and always provide sufficient evidence to support claims of credibility. Remember, a thoughtful selection of words such as choosing to employ a word such as "sound" or "valid" rather than simply "credible" is key to making your message convincing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

believable

Focuses specifically on the capacity to be believed.

plausible

Emphasizes the apparent reasonableness or possibility of something.

reliable

Highlights the consistency and dependability of something.

trustworthy

Indicates that something can be trusted or relied upon.

authentic

Stresses the genuineness and originality of something.

convincing

Focuses on the ability to persuade someone of something.

sound

Suggests a strong and well-founded basis.

valid

Highlights the legitimacy or legal correctness of something.

tenable

Indicates that a position or claim is defensible and able to be maintained.

supportable

Emphasizes the ability to be supported by evidence or reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "credible" in a sentence?

You can use "credible" to describe something that is believable or trustworthy. For example: "The witness provided a "credible" account of the events."

What can I say instead of "credible"?

You can use alternatives like "believable", "reliable", or "trustworthy" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "credible source" or "creditable source"?

While both words exist, ""credible"" is typically used to describe a source that is believable and reliable. "Creditable" means deserving praise but isn't typically used to describe sources of information.

What's the difference between "credible" and "credulous"?

"Credible" means believable or trustworthy, while "credulous" means having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.