it is highly plausible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is highly plausible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the likelihood or credibility of a particular idea, theory, or scenario. Example: "Given the evidence presented, it is highly plausible that climate change is accelerating at a faster rate than previously thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As Ku has many binding partners that contribute to its multitude of functions, it is highly plausible that its telomeric protein interactions negatively regulate Ku to maintain genomic stability.

Cell Reports

Thus, ILV6 and its targets are functionally related and it is highly plausible that modulation of ILV6 directly affects the abundance of these other genes.

BMC Genomics

It is highly plausible that Trump's tactic here would be turned against conservatives in a subsequent Democratic administration.

The Washington Post

It is highly plausible that Stern, sultan of the National Basketball Association, indeed went to bed in Westchester with a smile on his face.

The New York Times - Sports

It is highly plausible that the 2010 election will be the first in more than three decades to deny any party an overall majority in the Commons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thus, it is highly plausible that sugar-like compounds in the root exudates are responsible for the active movement of S. enterica serovars to the roots.

Nature

Given that the bone maintained linear growth (see Supplementary Fig. 5), it is highly plausible that bone growth causes compression forces inside the skin during the regression of a volar pad.

Nature

It is highly plausible that in the unpredictable and often threatening environment of the Pleistocene, it was adaptive for our ancestors to attribute agency not only to animals, whether as predators or as prey, but to less directly observable beings of other kinds as well.

The Guardian - Books

In actuality, however, it is highly plausible that the two postulates are inseparable.

SEP

Although RbTlCl3 is not synthesized yet, it is highly plausible that these compounds have the same structure because they are isovalent and the tolerance factor is around ~1 [6].

Nanoscale Research Letters

For if 'could have done otherwise' is an essential ingredient in the analysis of 'Agent A freely performs action X,' then it is highly plausible to maintain that this is so whether the agent is God or Socrates.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is highly plausible" to introduce an idea or explanation that is supported by evidence but not definitively proven. It's useful for suggesting strong potential without making an absolute claim.

Common error

Avoid using "it is highly plausible" when the evidence clearly demonstrates a certainty. This phrase implies strong possibility, not established fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is highly plausible" functions as an epistemic modal, indicating a strong degree of likelihood or credibility. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to present something as believable based on available evidence, without asserting it as a definite fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is highly plausible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a strong likelihood or believability, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an epistemic modal and is primarily employed in formal contexts, particularly in science, news, and business. While it implies a strong possibility, it does not assert certainty. Alternatives include "it is highly likely" and "it is very plausible". When using the phrase, avoid overstating plausibility as a definitive fact. It's best used to introduce ideas or explanations supported by evidence that do not have definitive proof. Authoritative sources like Nature and The Washington Post frequently utilize this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is highly conceivable

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be imagined or believed.

it is very plausible

Uses "very" instead of "highly", slightly reducing the emphasis on plausibility.

it is highly likely

Focuses on the probability of something occurring, rather than its believability.

it is quite possible

Suggests a moderate level of possibility, less emphatic than "highly plausible".

it is reasonably probable

Combines reasonableness with probability, indicating a well-supported likelihood.

it is eminently possible

Highlights the feasibility and ease with which something can happen.

it is decidedly believable

Emphasizes the credibility and trustworthiness of a claim or idea.

it is distinctly possible

Indicates a clear and noticeable possibility, though not necessarily a high probability.

it stands to reason

Emphasizes the logical basis for a belief or expectation.

one might reasonably expect

Shifts the focus to expectation based on reason, implying a degree of plausibility.

FAQs

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

Use "it is highly plausible" to suggest something is likely based on available evidence but isn't definitively proven. For example, "Given the data, it is highly plausible that the new drug will improve patient outcomes."

What can I say instead of "it is highly plausible"?

You can use alternatives like "it is highly likely", "it is very plausible", or "it is quite possible" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is highly plausible" or "it is plausible"?

"It is highly plausible" and "it is plausible" are both grammatically correct, but "it is highly plausible" indicates a stronger degree of likelihood or believability.

What's the difference between "it is highly plausible" and "it is possible"?

"It is possible" suggests something could happen, while "it is highly plausible" suggests it is not only possible but also likely and believable based on available evidence.