it is defensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is defensible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a position, argument, or action that can be justified or supported with reasoning. Example: "While some may disagree, I believe it is defensible to prioritize environmental concerns over economic growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

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

Independent

It is defensible, too: The sheer magnitude of the task of networking high-bandwidth content favors capital-rich incumbents over start-ups.

The New York Times

He does not think it is defensible for states to turn away refugees on the basis of cultural or religious identity.

The New Yorker

But then again, with the quantity of antibiotics injected into industrially produced chicken and the dangerous ESBL bacterium right now infecting nearly all our chicken meat, it is defensible to state that a piece of fake chicken is healthier than the animal version.

The New York Times

I lead a progressive party I always have and always will do".. "I cannot for the life of me understand how intelligent, sophisticated folk in the Conservative party think it is defensible in the 21st century to have a system that ends up with hundreds of MPs with jobs for life – and they do not even deign to get 50% of the vote every few years".

The Guardian

It is defensible, because to produce and test of this kind of concrete special care is required.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"The most pressing crisis situation is in Europe right now, so it's defensible that the I.M.F. should have a lot of its eggs in the European basket," said Nicolas Véron, a senior fellow at Bruegel, a Brussels-based research institute, and a visiting fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.

The New York Times

As a decision of law, it was defensible.

Independent

If it's marketplace, it's defensible; if it's enterprise, she can be undercut".

The New Yorker

Don't be afraid to vote for some Tory legislation, if it's defensible.

Independent

Perhaps it's defensible there, since the people being reported are doing the same thing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is defensible" when you want to convey that a particular action, decision, or argument has reasonable justification and can be supported with evidence or logic.

Common error

Avoid using "it is defensible" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "it's understandable" or "it's reasonable" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is defensible" functions as an adjective phrase, indicating that something can be justified, supported, or maintained against opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples show it modifying actions, decisions, or positions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is defensible" serves to indicate that a particular stance, action, or argument can be justified or supported with reason. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Analysis of various sources reveals that it's most frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts, marking a neutral to formal register. When aiming to convey that something has a rational basis and can be maintained, "it is defensible" is a solid choice. Alternatives include "it is justifiable" or "it is supportable", which can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is justifiable

Suggests that there are valid reasons or grounds to support the action or position.

it is supportable

Implies that something can be maintained or upheld with evidence or arguments.

it is maintainable

Highlights the ability to keep something in a certain state or condition, often through justification.

it is reasonable

Indicates that the action or decision is logical and based on sound judgment.

it is tenable

Suggests that a position or argument can be held or defended against attack or objection.

it is arguable

Implies that there are grounds for debate or discussion, suggesting a position can be defended.

it is warranted

Indicates that the action or decision is justified by the circumstances.

it is legitimate

Highlights the lawfulness or permissibility of the action or decision.

it is permissible

Emphasizes that the action or decision is allowed or not forbidden.

it is vindicable

Suggests that something can be cleared of suspicion or wrongdoing.

FAQs

How can I use "it is defensible" in a sentence?

You can use "it is defensible" to indicate that an action, argument, or decision can be justified or supported with reasoning. For example, "While some may disagree, I believe "it is defensible" to prioritize environmental concerns."

What are some alternatives to "it is defensible"?

Alternatives include "it is justifiable", "it is supportable", or "it is reasonable", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it is defensible" and "it is justifiable"?

While similar, "it is defensible" suggests something can be upheld against challenge, whereas "it is justifiable" implies it aligns with moral or legal standards. Use "it is justifiable" when you want to emphasize the ethical or legal correctness of something.

When is it appropriate to use "it is defensible" in writing?

"It is defensible" is suitable for formal writing, debates, or discussions where you need to articulate that a position or action has a rational basis and can be maintained with evidence. Avoid using it in casual conversation where simpler alternatives might suffice.