less than plausible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than plausible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, explanation, or argument that is not very believable or credible. Example: "The witness's account of the events was less than plausible, raising doubts about its accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is a visceral, powerful, visually ravishing film, occasionally mawkish, sometimes less than plausible – but it's hard not to be moved by the picture it paints of an entire generation of colony boys wiped out before their time.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Less Than Jake.

WikiHow

"There's a risk to our credibility if we make claims that seem less than fully plausible," one senior American diplomat said last week.

The New York Times

The future reader is made well aware that the conclusions drawn are no more (but also no less) than a plausible speculation on how this enzyme might work.

eLife

You are, in other words, paying less than 6 times plausible 2011 earnings.

Forbes

The inputs and outputs to Oztop et al.'s (2006) model are also less biologically plausible than in ILGA.

Biological Cybernetics

Progression at the end of the course of chlamydia infection is probably less biologically plausible than constant progression.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Although here, as on other questions, the evidence is less than certain, it is plausible that Democritus developed a powerful and consistent explanation of much of the natural world from a very few fundamentals.

SEP

"That move, away from self-sufficiency, is even less politically plausible today than it was back then".

The Guardian

This narrator is too easy to dislike, and as a result the plot twists seem less like plausible developments than simple payback for his sins.

The New York Times - Books

Moreover, it illustrates that there was no overall preference for simpler or more complex models, for example, Model 25 is simpler but less plausible than Models 1 6C, whereas Model 26 is more complex but less plausible than Models 1 6A.

Cerebral Cortex

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less than plausible", consider the context and whether a stronger term like 'implausible' or 'unbelievable' might be more appropriate for emphasis.

Common error

While "less than plausible" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated vocabulary to convey a lack of credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than plausible" functions as an evaluative descriptor, modifying a noun or situation to indicate its lack of believability or credibility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable, often appearing in contexts where the speaker or writer is casting doubt on something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

44%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less than plausible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing something that lacks strong credibility or believability. According to Ludwig AI, it's a valid and versatile phrase suitable for various contexts. While synonyms like "hardly believable" or "not very credible" exist, "less than plausible" strikes a balance between formality and clarity, making it appropriate for both news reporting and scientific discourse. Its widespread use is further evidenced by its appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When choosing this phrase, consider the specific level of doubt you wish to convey and whether a stronger or more nuanced term might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardly believable

Emphasizes the difficulty in believing something.

not very credible

Focuses on the lack of trustworthiness or reliability.

somewhat doubtful

Highlights the presence of doubt regarding something.

questionable to some extent

Suggests the existence of questions or concerns about something.

raises some doubts

Indicates the generation of uncertainty.

strains credulity

Implies that something is difficult to believe, even for someone who is credulous.

tests the limits of belief

Suggests something is almost beyond belief.

not entirely convincing

Highlights the lack of complete persuasiveness.

smacks of incredulity

Suggests something prompts disbelief.

difficult to swallow

Implies something is hard to accept or believe.

FAQs

What does "less than plausible" mean?

The phrase "less than plausible" means something is not very believable or credible. It suggests there are doubts or reasons to question the truth or accuracy of a statement, explanation, or situation.

How can I use "less than plausible" in a sentence?

You can use "less than plausible" to describe something that seems unlikely or questionable. For example: "His excuse for being late was "less than plausible", given he lives only a few blocks away."

What are some alternatives to saying "less than plausible"?

Alternatives to "less than plausible" include "hardly believable", "not very credible", or "questionable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "less plausible" or "implausible"?

Both "less plausible" and "implausible" are valid, but they have slightly different strengths. "Less plausible" suggests a weaker degree of doubt, while "implausible" indicates a stronger sense of unbelievability.