it is plausible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is plausible' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an idea or suggestion that is possible to be true or likely to be true, especially when it is supported by evidence. For example: "The study suggests that climate change is to blame for the species' decline, and it is plausible that rising temperatures could be responsible."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is plausible that magnesium exerts some of its beneficial effects by blocking adrenaline release.

Critical Care

Will Mr Corbyn win? "It is plausible.

Independent

But, my word, it is plausible.

The Guardian - Books

It is plausible that now more cases are being reported.

The New York Times

"Certainly it is plausible," he told the MoD news conference.

Independent

It is plausible to argue that the relationship of the twin elites is a political reality.

The Guardian

Sounds like a clever idea, but Roubini's Megan Greene is unconvinced it is plausible.

The Guardian - Business

It is plausible that Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito may reject it as well.

The New York Times

Islamic extremists, it is plausible to conclude, have been drinking from that same poisoned well.

The New Yorker

Now it is plausible and possible.

BBC

Still, he says, it is plausible.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is plausible" to introduce an idea that has some supporting evidence but isn't definitively proven. This adds a nuance of possibility to your claims.

Common error

Avoid using "it is plausible" when the evidence strongly supports a conclusion. Instead, opt for stronger statements like "it is evident" or "it is clear".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is plausible" functions as an epistemic modal, indicating a degree of possibility or likelihood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for presenting ideas that are reasonably believable based on some evidence, but not definitively proven.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is plausible" is a useful phrase to introduce ideas or explanations that are reasonably credible but not definitively proven. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts. With a high frequency of occurrence in both scientific and news media sources, this phrase is an effective way to introduce hypotheses or interpretations with appropriate nuance and caution. When using "it is plausible", remember to present supporting evidence and avoid overstating the likelihood of the claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible

Changes the emphasis to a general possibility, without necessarily implying strong supporting evidence.

it is conceivable

Indicates something is imaginable or able to be believed, but not necessarily likely.

it is likely

Shifts the focus to a higher probability, suggesting a greater chance of occurrence.

it is probable

Similar to "it is likely" but often used in more formal contexts.

it stands to reason

Implies a logical deduction or conclusion based on available information.

it could be the case

Suggests a potential scenario or explanation.

it may be true

Indicates a degree of uncertainty but acknowledges a possibility of truth.

one could argue

Introduces a perspective that is defensible but not necessarily definitive.

it seems reasonable

Focuses on the logical and rational basis for a belief or assumption.

it is within the realm of possibility

Highlights that something is not impossible, though perhaps not very likely.

FAQs

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

Use "it is plausible" to introduce an idea or explanation that seems reasonable given the available information. For example, "It is plausible that the decrease in sales is /s/due+to the recent marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "it is plausible"?

Alternatives include "it is possible", "it is likely", or "it is conceivable", each carrying slightly different nuances of possibility.

Is it better to say "it is plausible" or "it is possible"?

"It is plausible" suggests a degree of credibility or supporting evidence, while "it is possible" simply indicates that something could happen or be true without implying any particular evidence.

When should I use "it is plausible" instead of "it is certain"?

Use "it is plausible" when you want to suggest that something is likely or reasonable but you don't have enough evidence to claim it is definitely true. "It is certain" should be used when the evidence leaves no room for doubt.