most plausible explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most plausible explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a theory or reasoning that seems the most likely or believable among various possibilities. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, the detective concluded that the most plausible explanation for the crime was a robbery gone wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Harvard University

Drawing on additional country-specific information, I argue that the most plausible explanation combines both elements.

Harvard University

That may be the most plausible explanation, as unusual as it sounds.

Princeton University

The most plausible explanation for this differentiation implies an unstable heterochiral membrane stage.

Trends in Microbiology

The most plausible explanation is that these agents produced sympathetic potentiation by NE reuptake inhibition.

Nature

But the most plausible explanation is that Mr. Kerry more or less agreed with his diplomats.

The New York Times

Indeed, the most plausible explanation for the SSRIs is that they work indirectly.

The New Yorker

Perhaps the most plausible explanation of what makes him tick came from within Downing Street.

The Guardian - Opinion

That became the standard and most plausible explanation for Roosevelt's stroke.

The New York Times

Based on interviews with his closest friends, this seems the most plausible explanation for his suicide.

The New York Times

The most plausible explanation is anti-Mormonism, which may transcend doctrinal and cultural attitudes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most plausible explanation" when you have considered multiple possibilities and have evidence to support one over the others.

Common error

Avoid presenting an explanation as the "most plausible explanation" when evidence is weak or ambiguous. Acknowledge uncertainties to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most plausible explanation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the explanation considered the most likely or believable. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It often acts as the subject complement or object of a verb, clarifying a complex situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "most plausible explanation" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote the most believable or likely explanation among several possibilities. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic sources, it serves to provide clarity and reasoned interpretations. When employing this phrase, ensure to support the explanation with robust evidence and reasoning to bolster persuasiveness. Consider alternatives like "likeliest explanation" or "most credible theory" based on context. As the Ludwig AI detected, it is important not to overstate plausibility if the evidence is weak.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likeliest explanation

This alternative replaces 'plausible' with 'likeliest', suggesting the explanation is the most probable.

most probable cause

This alternative shifts the focus to causation, implying the explanation is the most likely reason for something.

most credible theory

This alternative emphasizes the believability of the explanation, presenting it as a reputable theory.

best supported hypothesis

This alternative highlights the evidence backing the explanation, indicating it has strong empirical support.

leading interpretation

This alternative presents the explanation as the dominant or most accepted interpretation.

prevailing account

This alternative describes the explanation as the one most commonly accepted or recognized.

strongest contender

This alternative frames the explanation as the most compelling option among multiple possibilities.

primary rationale

This alternative highlights the explanation as the main or fundamental reason behind something.

mainstream view

This alternative presents the explanation as the generally accepted opinion within a particular field or context.

common understanding

This alternative emphasizes that the explanation is widely agreed upon and understood.

FAQs

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

You can use "most plausible explanation" to introduce a theory or reason that seems the most likely or believable among various possibilities. For example: "After reviewing the data, the "most plausible explanation" was equipment malfunction."

What are some alternatives to saying "most plausible explanation"?

You can use alternatives such as "likeliest explanation", "most credible theory", or "best supported hypothesis" depending on the specific context.

Is "plausible explanation" the same as "possible explanation"?

While both refer to potential explanations, "plausible explanation" suggests a higher degree of likelihood and believability compared to a "possible explanation", which simply indicates that something could be true.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "most plausible explanation" in academic writing?

It's appropriate to use "most plausible explanation" when presenting the most likely interpretation or conclusion based on evidence and analysis, especially when addressing competing theories or hypotheses. Make sure to support your claim with strong evidence and reasoning.