defensible claim

USAGE SUMMARY

"defensible claim" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a claim that is supported by strong evidence and is difficult to counter. For example, "The police officer offered a defensible claim that the suspect had committed the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It is unfortunate that the indictment includes language that turns it from a narrow, more defensible claim.

Harvard University

Most famously there was the banner year of 1941, for which John Ford's magnificent "How Green Was My Valley" was named what the academy then termed "outstanding motion picture" (a more modest, defensible claim and perhaps one the academy should revive) while Orson Welles's game-changing "Citizen Kane" went home with only the original screenplay award.

The New York Times

"I think it's a defensible claim," says theorist Krishna Rajagopal of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.

Science Magazine

This at least appears to be a defensible claim, given that what is relevant here is 'conceivability on ideal rational reflection'.

SEP

And the Wall Street Journal noted that two days earlier, Clinton had made the even less defensible claim — similar to the one we are fact-checking — that "the average CEO makes about 300 times what the average worker makes".

Huffington Post

Kerpen asserts the perfectly defensible claim that the 61-cent increase in tobacco excise taxes used to pay for the SCHIP expansion is regressive and so will hurt the poor in a measure designed to protect them.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This would lend support to the more reasonable and defensible claims in the document, such as, "Librarians have a responsibility to develop an understanding appreciation of the traditions and cultures associated with materials held in their collections". Absolutely, they do.

Princeton University

Linda Chavez might have a defensible legal claim that she did not employ Ms. Mercado.

The New York Times

During the 20th century, however, its growth has been so luxuriant as to make defensible its claim to be regarded with the respect though perhaps not the solemnity that is due any other recognized branch of literature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rejection of a fat but fit and qualified woman for a job as a Jazzercise instructor in San Francisco was defensible, he claims, on the grounds that the company advertises itself as a weight-loss organization: "Asking Jazzercise to hire fat instructors is not like asking a lunch counter to hire blacks; it's more like asking a cosmetics company to hire models with severe acne".

The New York Times - Books

Philosophy is first of all a search for defensible knowledge claims, and for the method according to which it will be found.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "defensible claim", ensure it is supported by verifiable evidence and logical reasoning. Clearly articulate the basis of the claim to enhance its credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "defensible claim" as an indisputable fact. Acknowledge potential counterarguments or limitations to maintain objectivity and strengthen your argument's persuasive power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defensible claim" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "defensible" modifies the noun "claim". It describes a claim that is capable of being justified or defended with evidence or reasoning. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defensible claim" denotes an assertion that is supportable by evidence and reason. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase finds its primary contexts in News & Media, Academia, and Science, signifying its relevance in informed discourse. Alternatives like "justifiable assertion" or "supportable argument" offer nuanced variations. When employing "defensible claim", it is crucial to ensure adequate backing and avoid overstating its certainty, thus bolstering credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justifiable assertion

Replaces "defensible" with "justifiable", focusing on the moral or ethical aspect of the claim.

supportable argument

Emphasizes the idea that the claim can be backed up with evidence or reasoning.

tenable position

Highlights that the claim is able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.

sustainable contention

Focuses on the claim's ability to endure scrutiny and challenges over time.

valid proposition

Indicates that the claim is logically sound and based on true premises.

well-founded allegation

Suggests that the claim is based on solid evidence and reliable sources.

reasoned statement

Stresses the use of logic and rational thinking in formulating the claim.

plausible argument

Indicates that the claim is believable and likely to be true based on the available information.

arguable point

Suggests that there is room for debate and that the claim can be supported with arguments.

sound premise

Highlights that the claim is based on a solid foundation and logical reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "defensible claim" in a sentence?

You can use "defensible claim" to describe an assertion that can be supported by evidence or reasoning. For example, "The lawyer presented a "defensible claim" that her client was not at the scene of the crime."

What are some alternatives to saying "defensible claim"?

Alternatives include "justifiable assertion", "supportable argument", or "tenable position", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What makes a claim "defensible"?

A claim is "defensible" when it is supported by sufficient evidence, logical reasoning, and credible sources. It should be able to withstand scrutiny and counterarguments.

Is a "defensible claim" the same as a proven fact?

No, a "defensible claim" is not necessarily a proven fact. It is an assertion that can be reasonably supported, but it may still be open to debate or require further investigation. A proven fact, on the other hand, is generally accepted as true and beyond dispute.