looks plausible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks plausible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when assessing the credibility or believability of a statement, idea, or theory. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, the theory proposed by the researchers looks plausible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

That looks plausible.

The Economist

But it looks plausible.

The Economist

It looks plausible.

The Guardian - Arts

On the surface it looks plausible.

Independent

But reforming the tax treatment of health insurance and extending coverage to more children looks plausible.

The Economist

While the precision of the data may be debatable, the direction of movement looks plausible.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The anonymized data Green did see looked plausible and convincing.

The New Yorker

Still, the direction of change does look plausible.

The Economist

Taken individually their exit plans look plausible; collectively, they look like a nightmare.

The Economist

All four paths looked plausible, which was a striking validation of the founders' idea.

Harvard Business Review

Trump has no problem lying, but in the end he wants his lies to look plausible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "looks plausible" with adverbs to refine the degree of plausibility (e.g., "entirely looks plausible," "barely looks plausible.")

Common error

Avoid using "looks plausible" as a substitute for concrete evidence or proof. It indicates an initial assessment of believability, not a final conclusion. For example, stating 'The suspect's alibi looks plausible, so he is innocent' without further investigation would be incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks plausible" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing that something appears believable or reasonable based on initial observation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts. It does not offer definitive proof but suggests a preliminary evaluation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks plausible" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for indicating that something appears believable or reasonable at first glance. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous sources confirms its use across news, science, and other domains. While it doesn't offer definitive proof, it serves as a valuable tool for expressing tentative judgments and prompting further investigation. To enhance your writing, remember to avoid using it as a substitute for solid evidence and consider related phrases like "seems credible" or "appears reasonable" to add nuance to your expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems believable

Replaces "looks" with "seems", focusing on believability.

appears credible

Uses "appears" instead of "looks" and "credible" instead of "plausible", highlighting trustworthiness.

sounds reasonable

Shifts the focus to auditory perception of plausibility and uses the adjective "reasonable".

is seemingly valid

Emphasizes the apparent validity of something.

holds water

An idiomatic expression indicating something is believable or consistent.

bears scrutiny

Highlights that something remains plausible even after examination.

passes muster

An idiomatic phrase suggesting something meets the required standards of plausibility.

is within the realm of possibility

Expresses that something is possible and therefore plausible.

presents as likely

Focuses on the presentation of something as being likely.

has the ring of truth

Suggests that something seems truthful and therefore plausible.

FAQs

What does "looks plausible" mean?

The phrase "looks plausible" means something appears to be believable or reasonable based on the available information, though not necessarily proven.

How can I use "looks plausible" in a sentence?

You can use "looks plausible" to describe a theory, explanation, or scenario that seems likely or credible. For example, "The suspect's story "seems plausible" based on the evidence."

What are some alternatives to "looks plausible"?

Alternatives to "looks plausible" include "seems credible", "appears reasonable", or "sounds valid". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "looks plausible" in formal writing?

Yes, "looks plausible" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and professional way to express that something appears to be believable. However, be sure to support your statement with evidence.