plausible alternative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plausible alternative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing options or solutions that are reasonable and believable in a given context. Example: "While the initial plan was to expand the business, a plausible alternative would be to focus on improving our current operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were no plausible alternative rulers.

The Economist

There is a plausible alternative to irrationality.

The New York Times

She isn't neglecting any plausible alternative.

The Guardian

There is a better, more plausible alternative.

University of California, Berkeley

This is a real, and plausible, alternative narrative.

The New York Times

"But other plausible alternative claims are out there".

The New York Times - Science

The JIC has therefore concluded that there are no plausible alternative scenarios to regime responsibility.

The Guardian

And she has not made herself a plausible alternative to Mr. Vajpayee.

The New York Times

Though a huge leap of imagination, Swastika Night posits a terrifyingly coherent and plausible alternative history.

The Guardian - Books

Nothing in Shell's current strategy suggests Van Beurden is going to present a plausible alternative.

The Guardian

But Britain also needs a Labour party that can provide a plausible alternative government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plausible alternative" to introduce solutions or options that are not immediately obvious but are worth considering due to their potential merits.

Common error

Avoid using "plausible alternative" when the alternative is far-fetched or lacks a logical basis. Make sure the plausibility is evident to the reader, or you risk undermining your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plausible alternative" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "plausible" modifies the noun "alternative". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to describe a possible option that is believable and reasonable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plausible alternative" is a valuable tool in writing and discussion when you need to present options that are both reasonable and believable. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and commonly used. As the analysis shows, it's most frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating its suitability for formal discourse. When using "plausible alternative", ensure you can support the plausibility with evidence or logical reasoning to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "credible substitute", "viable option", and "reasonable solution" can be used to add variety to your language while conveying similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

credible substitute

This alternative emphasizes the trustworthiness and believability of the substitute.

viable option

This term focuses on the practicality and feasibility of the alternative.

reasonable solution

Highlights that the alternative resolves an issue in a sensible way.

realistic possibility

This emphasizes the likelihood and grounded nature of the alternative.

tenable substitute

Suggests the alternative is defensible and can be maintained or justified.

workable solution

Focuses on the practicality and effectiveness of the alternative in achieving a specific goal.

achievable route

This alternative highlights the possibility of achieving a goal through a different way.

conceivable option

Emphasizes that the alternative is within the realm of possibility or imagination.

believable scenario

This term frames the alternative as a credible sequence of events or situation.

defensible choice

Implies that the alternative can be justified with reasoning or evidence.

FAQs

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

Use "plausible alternative" to introduce an option or solution that is believable and reasonable, especially when contrasting it with another possibility. For example, "While the primary strategy focuses on expansion, a "plausible alternative" would be to improve existing services".

What is a good substitute for "plausible alternative"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "plausible alternative" with phrases like "viable option", "credible substitute", or "realistic possibility".

What makes an alternative "plausible"?

A "plausible alternative" is believable because it aligns with available evidence, logical reasoning, or established patterns. It doesn't necessarily need to be the most likely option, but it should be within the realm of possibility and supported by some form of justification.

In what contexts is "plausible alternative" most appropriate?

"Plausible alternative" is often used in analytical, academic, or professional settings where evaluating different courses of action is necessary. It is suitable when discussing options in business strategies, scientific hypotheses, or political scenarios.