is plausible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is plausible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when suggesting that an idea or thought is likely or believable. For example, "The idea that aliens exist is plausible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither is plausible.

The New York Times

The claim is plausible.

The Economist

This is plausible.

The Economist

His story is plausible.

The Economist

The strategy is plausible.

The Economist

All this is plausible.

The Economist

That is plausible.

The Economist

The expectation is plausible.

The Economist

It is plausible.

The Guardian

Either explanation is plausible.

Harvard Business Review

That, too, is plausible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is plausible" when you want to suggest that an idea or explanation is likely or believable, but not necessarily proven. It implies a degree of credibility without asserting absolute certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "is plausible" when you have concrete evidence or proof. The phrase is best used when discussing possibilities or theories, not established facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is plausible" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It attributes a quality of believability or likelihood to a subject. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is plausible" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey that something appears believable or likely, without necessarily being proven. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to attribute credibility to a statement or idea, often in contexts where certainty is not possible. It is frequently found in news, science, and formal communication, offering a balanced way to express likelihood. While highly versatile, it's important to avoid using "is plausible" when discussing established facts, as it is best suited for theories or possibilities. Remembering these insights will help you wield "is plausible" with precision and confidence in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems likely

Focuses on the appearance of truth or probability.

appears credible

Emphasizes the trustworthiness and believability of something.

sounds reasonable

Highlights the logical and rational aspect of an idea.

holds water

An idiomatic expression indicating that something withstands scrutiny and is believable.

stands to reason

Suggests that something is logical and expected.

could be true

Expresses a possibility of truth, often with a degree of uncertainty.

bears consideration

Implies that something is worthy of being taken seriously and examined.

has potential

Highlights the possibility of future success or validity.

may be the case

Indicates a possibility or probability that something is true.

warrants belief

Suggests that something has sufficient grounds for being believed.

FAQs

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

You can use "is plausible" to suggest that something is believable or likely. For example, "The theory that the universe is expanding "is plausible" based on current scientific observations."

What are some alternatives to "is plausible"?

Alternatives to "is plausible" include "seems likely", "appears credible", or "sounds reasonable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "that is plausible"?

Yes, "that is plausible" is a grammatically correct and commonly used construction. It is used to express agreement or acknowledgement of the plausibility of a statement or idea.

What's the difference between "is plausible" and "is certain"?

"Is plausible" implies a degree of likelihood or believability without definite proof, while "is certain" indicates a state of being definitively true or beyond doubt. Plausibility suggests possibility, while certainty suggests fact.