most plausible hypothesis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most plausible hypothesis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing theories or explanations that are considered the most likely or reasonable based on available evidence. Example: "After reviewing the data, the researchers concluded that the most plausible hypothesis was that environmental factors contributed to the observed changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The most plausible hypothesis of modern tip-motivation was promulgated by Louis Reverdy, in his thesis "Le Pourboire," for Doctor of Law degree of the Sorbonne, in 1930.

The New Yorker

Therefore, under a causal assumption, the most plausible hypothesis of a decrease risk of severe bleeding in metformin-exposed diabetic dengue individuals can be collectively explained by these pleiotropic actions of metformin, which could interact and inhibit the pathogenic mechanisms of dengue infection that lead to severe bleeding manifestations.

Nature

For the seabirds, he wrote, the "most plausible hypothesis so far" from the National Agricultural Health Service is that they are dying from a lack of food, mainly anchoveta (Engraulis ringens), a Peruvian anchovy, as a result of the sudden heating of coastal waters.

The New York Times

The most plausible hypothesis seems to be that Roman Mithraism was practically a new creation, wrought by a religious genius who may have lived as late as c. 100 ce and who gave the old traditional Persian ceremonies a new Platonic interpretation that enabled Mithraism to become acceptable to the Roman world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He adds: "If the most plausible hypothesis is that it's a Standard Model Higgs, you have to ask 'what experiments can we do to test that hypothesis'.

BBC

There is still no definite evidence for the pathogenesis of the comorbid disorders, even if the most plausible hypothesis is that migraine shares some causative, genetical, biochemical or environmental factors with depression and panic attack disorder [53 55].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Migration with host plants [ 28] through Beringia is one of the most plausible hypotheses to explain the disjunct population distributions between the New World and Old World, but migrations through the North Atlantic land bridge [ 29] or via long-distance dispersal [ 30], though a less likely explanation cannot be completely ruled out.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The most plausible prevailing hypothesis for this event is the so-called RNA world.

Biochemical Society Transactions

19 The potential role of genetic setup in explaining health inequalities is reviewed by Mackenbach, 20 who suggests that the most plausible set of hypotheses relates to genetic influences of personal attributes such as cognitive ability, personality and bodily and mental fitness that may influence both SEP and adult health status.

BMJ Open

We consider most plausible a five-species hypothesis and conclude the taxonomic odyssey by redescribing Messor structor, M. ibericus Santschi, 1925, and M. muticus (Nylander, 1849) stat.rev., and by describing two new species, M. ponticus sp.n. and M. mcarthuri sp.n.

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution

In terms of etiology, although the vitamin D deficiency hypothesis remains the most plausible mechanism for postoperative ePTH, other hypotheses including a multifactorial model are still possible given the interrelationship of these factors.

Annals of Surgical Oncology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting the "most plausible hypothesis", ensure you clearly outline the evidence and reasoning that supports it, while also acknowledging any limitations or alternative explanations.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "most plausible hypothesis" as an absolute fact. Instead, acknowledge the possibility of other explanations and the potential for new evidence to change the current understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most plausible hypothesis" functions as a noun phrase that serves to identify the explanation or theory that is considered the most likely or reasonable based on available evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "most plausible hypothesis" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in scientific and academic writing. It serves to highlight the explanation or theory that is considered the most likely based on the available evidence. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is deemed correct and effectively conveys a high degree of likelihood. While synonyms like ""most likely explanation"" or ""leading hypothesis"" can be used, it's crucial to avoid presenting this hypothesis as an absolute certainty. Remember to support your claims with evidence, acknowledge limitations, and stay open to alternative explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most likely explanation

Focuses on the likelihood of the explanation being true.

most probable theory

Emphasizes the probability aspect of the theoretical framework.

leading hypothesis

Highlights the hypothesis that is currently in the forefront.

best supported explanation

Indicates the explanation with the most evidence backing it.

most credible assumption

Shifts the focus to the credibility of the underlying assumption.

strongest contender

Presents the hypothesis as the most competitive among alternatives.

prevailing theory

Suggests the theory that is generally accepted at the moment.

primary explanation

Highlights that it is the main or initial explanation.

most reasonable conjecture

Focuses on the reasonable nature of the proposed idea.

most viable explanation

Highlights the feasibility and workability of the explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "most plausible hypothesis" to introduce an explanation that is considered the most likely based on current evidence. For example: "The "most plausible hypothesis" is that the dinosaurs were wiped out by a large asteroid."

What are some alternatives to "most plausible hypothesis"?

Alternatives to "most plausible hypothesis" include "most likely explanation", "leading hypothesis", or "best supported explanation" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "most plausible hypothesis" in informal writing?

While "most plausible hypothesis" is grammatically correct, it may sound overly formal in informal contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "best guess" or "most likely explanation" instead.

What's the difference between a "hypothesis" and a "theory" when discussing the "most plausible hypothesis"?

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation. The ""most plausible hypothesis"" is the one that best fits the current evidence before it becomes a theory.