it seems plausible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems plausible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to be reasonable or believable based on the information available. Example: "Given the evidence presented, it seems plausible that the theory could be valid."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therefore, it seems plausible that its action might require NDR1.

BMC Genomics

It seems plausible.

The Economist

At first sight, it seems plausible.

The Economist

It seems plausible enough, but statistics don't back it up.

The Guardian - Sport

It seems plausible, but how can we tell if it's true?

The New York Times - Sports

So it seems plausible that a person's past may play a role.

The Economist

It seems plausible that he could become the longest-serving justice of all time.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the fact that it seems plausible is a bit surprising to me.

The New York Times

But it seems plausible that Obama could have time for one more big policy change.

The New Yorker

Now it seems plausible that the next one might even quite soon, if the coalition cracks.

The Economist

So in theory, it seems plausible that they would be more hip-driven.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems plausible" to introduce a statement that is based on reasonable evidence or logical deduction, but not yet fully proven. This acknowledges a degree of uncertainty while suggesting a likely scenario.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems plausible" when the evidence strongly supports a claim. In such cases, a more assertive statement might be more appropriate. "It seems plausible" is best used when acknowledging some level of doubt or uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems plausible" functions as an epistemic hedge, softening a statement and indicating that it is presented as a reasonable possibility rather than a definitive fact. As confirmed by Ludwig, it introduces an element of subjective assessment or uncertainty, based on the available information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems plausible" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is reasonably likely or believable based on the available information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely employed across various fields, including science, news, and business. It functions as an epistemic hedge, softening claims and indicating a degree of uncertainty. To enhance your writing, use this phrase when presenting a reasoned opinion or hypothesis. Be mindful not to overstate certainty when the evidence is not definitive. Consider alternatives like "it appears likely" or "it is conceivable" to tailor your message. With a solid understanding of these aspects, you can confidently and effectively incorporate "it seems plausible" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears likely

Replaces "seems" with "appears", softening the assertion slightly.

it is conceivable

Emphasizes the possibility or imaginability of something.

it is reasonable to assume

Highlights the logical basis for making an assumption.

it is believable

Focuses on the credibility of a statement or idea.

it stands to reason

Indicates that something is logical or self-evident.

it is within the realm of possibility

Suggests that something is possible, although not necessarily probable.

it could be the case

Expresses a potential scenario or situation.

it is a distinct possibility

Emphasizes that something is definitely possible.

one might infer

Suggests drawing a conclusion based on available information.

the evidence suggests

Indicates that evidence points towards a particular conclusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "it seems plausible" to introduce a statement that is likely true based on the available information. For example, "Given the data, "it seems plausible" that the new policy will reduce costs."

What are some alternatives to "it seems plausible"?

Alternatives include "it appears likely", "it is conceivable", or "it is reasonable to assume", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "it seems plausible" or "it is plausible"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "It seems plausible" introduces a degree of uncertainty or subjective assessment, while "it is plausible" states the plausibility more directly. The choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What's the difference between "it seems plausible" and "it seems likely"?

While similar, "it seems plausible" suggests that something is believable or reasonable based on the available information. On the other hand, "it seems likely" implies a higher degree of probability.