most plausible

USAGE SUMMARY

'most plausible' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing an explanation, idea, or interpretation and are trying to decide which one is most likely. For example, "Based on the evidence, the most plausible explanation is that the suspect was acting alone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Two possibilities seem most plausible.

The New York Times

Self-interest is the most plausible motive.

The Economist

The second and third explanations sound the most plausible.

The New Yorker

So the most plausible outcome is a reprimand.

The Guardian

The most plausible answer lies in its pedigree.

The New York Times

Place your bets on which explanation seems most plausible.1.1

The Economist

The two most plausible paths are as follows.

The New York Times

The most plausible explanation I've heard is that it comes from the military.

Harvard University

What are its main security weaknesses or most plausible security failure mode?

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But the agency had simply picked the most plausible-sounding stories told by paid liars.

The New York Times - Magazine

The third is the most plausible.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting multiple explanations or possibilities, use "most plausible" to clearly indicate the option that is best supported by evidence or reasoning. For example, "While several factors could have contributed to the decline, the most plausible cause is the change in market conditions."

Common error

Avoid using "most plausible" when the evidence is weak or inconclusive. If there is no clear basis for preferring one explanation over others, it is more accurate to say "one plausible explanation" or "a possible explanation" rather than implying that one option is definitively the most likely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most plausible" functions as a superlative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it is the likeliest or most believable option among several possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most plausible" is a versatile phrase used to identify the likeliest or most believable option among several possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It commonly appears in various contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific publications, suggesting its appropriateness across both formal and informal settings. When using "most plausible", ensure the chosen option is genuinely supported by evidence and avoid overstating its certainty. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express the idea of something being likely or believable in different ways. Understanding these subtle distinctions will allow for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most believable

Focuses more on the credibility of something.

most likely

Emphasizes probability rather than inherent quality.

most credible

Highlights the trustworthiness and reliability of the source or information.

most reasonable

Suggests a logical and rational basis for the conclusion.

most tenable

Implies that the option is defensible and can withstand scrutiny.

most conceivable

Focuses on whether something is imaginable or possible, rather than necessarily probable.

most realistic

Highlights the practicality and grounding in reality of the option.

strongest possibility

Emphasizes the potential for something to occur or be true.

best bet

Informal expression suggesting the safest or most advisable choice.

likeliest scenario

Specifically refers to a predicted sequence of events that is most probable.

FAQs

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

Use "most plausible" to indicate the explanation or possibility that seems most likely or reasonable based on available evidence or reasoning. For example, "Given the circumstances, the "most plausible explanation" is human error."

What are some alternatives to "most plausible"?

You can use alternatives like "most likely", "most believable", or "most credible" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "more plausible" or "most plausible"?

"More plausible" is used to compare two possibilities, while "most plausible" is used to identify the single likeliest option among several. Use "most plausible" when you want to emphasize that one option stands out as the likeliest.

What's the difference between "most plausible" and "most probable"?

While both indicate a high likelihood, "most plausible" suggests that something is convincing and aligns well with available information, whereas "most probable" focuses more on statistical likelihood or frequency. "Most probable" is better when you have a strong basis in evidence.