it is tenable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is tenable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the validity or sustainability of an argument, theory, or position. Example: "The theory presented by the researcher is well-supported by evidence, and it is tenable in the current scientific discourse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They are bold-facedly hypocritical, and I don't think the environmentalism movement as we've known it is tenable or will survive.

The New Yorker

U.T. Place argued that it is tenable to say that certain events and processes traditionally classified as mental (for example, sensation) are identical with events and processes in the brain.

Princeton University

Bush's top advisers are considering whether it is tenable for Rove to remain on the staff, given that Fitzgerald has already documented something that Rove and White House official spokesmen once emphatically denied -- that he played a central role in discussions with journalists about Plame's role at the CIA and her marriage to former ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV, a critic of the Iraq war.

The Washington Post

"I just don't see how it is tenable to say that we can grow our way out of it".

BBC

It is tenable for up to 3 years in the first instance, with an extension of 2 further years possible.

Science Magazine

If it is tenable to say that rigidity assures that some sentences or statements like this are necessarily true though a posteriori, further questions immediately impose themselves.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Hollioake added: "Everything is forgivable but, with Peter Moores as coach, I don't know whether it's tenable".

BBC

"It's impossible to flood the market with companies that provide no liability for their security and have it be tenable long-term, [so] we need to look at long-term investment in securing systems". "We're dealing with companies now that manage physical assets that are distributed over wide geographical areas, sometimes different countries, and they need to be managed in a network way," he added.

Forbes

The idea that we are apart from nature and either don't belong in it or need to make a conscious effort to reintegrate ourselves with it, however, is tenable only once you have made the erroneous assumption that nature is exclusively medium-sized.

The Guardian - Books

There was, to be sure, something loftily patronising and complacent about this view but, if you ignored the great and perpetual exception of Ireland, there was just enough truth in it for it to be tenable.

The Times

We are of opinion that neither ground is tenable.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is tenable" to express that a theory, argument, or situation is defensible and capable of being maintained or supported with evidence. Be mindful of the context to ensure the term accurately conveys the intended meaning of validity and sustainability.

Common error

Avoid using "it is tenable" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "it's possible" or "it makes sense" would be more appropriate. The phrase lends a formal tone that might seem out of place in less serious settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is tenable" functions as an evaluative statement, assessing the validity or defensibility of an idea, argument, or position. It asserts that something is capable of being maintained or supported. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is tenable" is a phrase used to express the defensibility or sustainability of an idea or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for formal contexts. Its usage is most common in news, scientific, and academic sources, where precision and reasoned evaluation are essential. While alternatives like "it is defensible" or "it is plausible" exist, "it is tenable" adds a unique nuance of maintainability and supportability. While the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning of validity and sustainability, avoid overusing "it is tenable" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase lends a formal tone that might seem out of place in less serious settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is supportable

Replaces 'tenable' with 'supportable', emphasizing the availability of evidence or arguments to uphold the idea.

it is defensible

Uses 'defensible' instead of 'tenable', highlighting the ability to justify or protect the idea against criticism.

it is plausible

Substitutes 'tenable' with 'plausible', focusing on the believability or likelihood of the idea.

it is justifiable

Replaces 'tenable' with 'justifiable', emphasizing the possibility to be shown to be right or reasonable; defensible.

it is sustainable

Uses 'sustainable' rather than 'tenable', referring to the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

it is viable

Employs 'viable' instead of 'tenable', indicating the capacity to function, survive, or be successfully carried out.

it is arguable

Substitutes 'tenable' with 'arguable', stressing that the idea is open to debate or discussion, though potentially valid.

it is reasonable

Employs 'reasonable' instead of 'tenable', referring to the capacity to be based on or in accordance with reason or good sense.

it is maintainable

Replaces 'tenable' with 'maintainable', emphasizing the possibility to keep something at the same level.

it holds water

Uses the idiom 'holds water' instead of 'tenable', indicating that the idea appears to be valid or sound.

FAQs

What does "it is tenable" mean?

"It is tenable" means that something is defensible, supportable, or capable of being maintained or believed. It suggests that an argument, theory, or position has a solid basis and can withstand scrutiny.

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

You can use "it is tenable" to describe a situation or idea that is justifiable or reasonable. For example, "Given the evidence, "it is tenable" to conclude that the project will succeed".

What are some alternatives to "it is tenable"?

Alternatives to "it is tenable" include "it is defensible", "it is plausible", "it is supportable", or "it is viable". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it is tenable" versus "it is possible"?

"It is tenable" implies a stronger level of support or justification than "it is possible". While "it is possible" simply suggests that something could happen or be true, "it is tenable" indicates that there are valid reasons or evidence to believe in its likelihood or sustainability.