more defensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more defensible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the strength or validity of an argument, position, or action that can be justified or supported. Example: "In light of the new evidence, our position on the issue is now more defensible than ever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of course, America's penchant for overspending on defense would be more defensible if it received what it paid for.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a tad more defensible.

The Washington Post

But they are no more defensible.

The New York Times

"We have a better, far more defensible product".

The New York Times

Is pet insurance any more defensible as a money saver?

The New York Times

Joffre managed to blunt the German attack and force the Germans to more defensible positions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This gave the state a much greater territorial coherence and more defensible frontiers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other subsidies, such as paying for poor families' heating oil, are more defensible.

The Economist

But on the Pro, the dual operating system is more defensible.

The New York Times

By the internal logic of Douthat's piece, homophobia is simply more defensible than racism.

The Economist

Justifications for constraints or losses of sovereignty have particular merits, some more defensible than others.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more defensible", ensure you clearly articulate what specific criteria or standards are being used to assess the defensibility of the subject. Provide context and evidence to strengthen the argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting something as "more defensible" without acknowledging potential counterarguments or limitations. Acknowledge the nuances and complexities of the issue to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more defensible" functions as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun by indicating a higher degree of defensibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes that something can be justified or supported to a greater extent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more defensible" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative adjective phrase used to express that something is easier to justify or defend. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to strengthen claims and build credibility across diverse contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, academia, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, be sure to provide clear context and evidence to support the claim of increased defensibility. Alternatives such as "better justified" or "more supportable" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

better justified

Emphasizes improved justification rather than inherent defensibility.

more justifiable

Highlights the possibility of being proven right or reasonable.

more supportable

Focuses on the ability to provide evidence or backing.

more reasonable

Shifts the focus to logic and rationale.

more arguable

Indicates an easier capacity for debate or argument.

more valid

Suggests greater soundness or legitimacy.

more tenable

Implies a stronger ability to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.

more sustainable

Focuses on the ability to be maintained or continued.

easier to defend

Breaks down the concept into simpler terms, focusing on the act of defending.

harder to refute

Shifts the perspective to the difficulty of disproving something.

FAQs

How can I use "more defensible" in a sentence?

You can use "more defensible" to compare two or more options, arguing that one is easier to justify or defend than the others. For instance: "The revised policy is "more defensible" given the recent legal challenges."

What are some alternatives to "more defensible"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "better justified", "more supportable", or "more reasonable" as alternatives to "more defensible".

Is it grammatically correct to say "more defensible"?

Yes, "more defensible" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard rule for forming the comparative degree of adjectives with two or more syllables.

What makes an argument "more defensible"?

An argument becomes "more defensible" when it's supported by stronger evidence, logical reasoning, and a clearer understanding of the facts compared to alternative arguments.