defensible response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defensible response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reply or argument that can be justified or supported with reasoning or evidence. Example: "In the debate, she provided a defensible response to the criticism, backed by extensive research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But they could also be signs of desperation, evidence that the central government has lost its nerve in the face of falling growth.The rise in local-government borrowing is something in between: a defensible response to a worrying slowdown.

The Economist

The point is not that lower SES subjects are mistaken in their moralization of such behaviors while the urbanity of higher SES subjects represents a more rationally defensible response.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If Yahoo weren't such a dog, Ms. Bartz's response might be defensible.

The New York Times

There are, however, reasons to think that this response is itself defensible only if retributivists accept two further positions.

SEP

A relatively charitable reading is that, by exaggerating the difficulty, he was hoping to make the modesty of the government's response to it appear defensible.

The Economist

Security measures including gates and internal doors elicited a similar response, with residents illustrating that "defensible space" can increase fear of strangers.

The Guardian

However, it remains to be seen whether any of these responses to the regress argument is defensible in the end.

SEP

There has been much to lament about the British Government's response, but in one respect it is defensible.

Independent

If so, defensible predictions of the nature and timescale of forest responses to climate change and other anthropogenic perturbations could be within reach.

Plosone

More generally, he insists, arguments for underdetermination turn on implausibly treating all logically possible responses to the evidence as equally justified or rationally defensible.

SEP

Were our actions defensible?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defensible response" when you want to emphasize that a reaction or answer has a rational or logical basis, and can be supported with evidence or reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "defensible response" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "reasonable answer" or "justified reaction" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defensible response" functions as a noun phrase where "defensible" modifies the noun "response". It describes a response that can be justified or defended with reasoning or evidence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in contexts requiring justification.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defensible response" is a grammatically correct and usable term, although relatively rare. It is used to describe a reaction or answer that can be justified or supported with reasoning. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, consider using "defensible response" to emphasize the rationality behind a reaction. However, in more informal settings, opt for alternatives like "reasonable answer" or "justified reaction". Always ensure the context warrants the level of formality that "defensible response" implies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defendable position

Similar to the original, but focuses on the position being maintained.

justifiable reaction

Emphasizes the justification behind the reaction.

reasonable answer

Highlights the rationality and logic of the answer.

supportable reply

Focuses on the ability to provide evidence or reasons for the reply.

valid justification

Stresses the legitimacy and correctness of the justification.

legitimate defense

Highlights the lawfulness and acceptability of the defense.

warranted reaction

Indicates that the reaction is deserved or necessary.

excusable reply

Suggests that the reply is understandable, even if not ideal.

vindicated response

Implies that the response has been proven to be correct or justified after initial doubt.

sustainable argument

Highlights the ability of the argument to stand up to scrutiny and challenges.

FAQs

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

You can use "defensible response" when describing an action or statement that can be justified with reasoning or evidence. For example, "The rise in local-government borrowing is something in between: a defensible response to a worrying slowdown."

What is a good alternative to "defensible response"?

Alternatives to "defensible response" include "justifiable reaction", "reasonable answer", or "supportable reply", depending on the specific context.

Is "defensible response" formal or informal?

"Defensible response" leans towards the formal side. In more informal settings, consider using alternatives like "good answer" or "fair reaction".

What makes a response "defensible"?

A response is "defensible" if it can be supported by facts, logic, or established principles. It suggests that the response is not arbitrary but rather based on sound reasoning.