plausible circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plausible circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or condition that is reasonable or believable within a given context. Example: "Given the evidence presented, it seems like a plausible circumstance that the event could have occurred as described."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Create a plausible circumstance that explains what they are doing there and what keeps anyone from leaving.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"There are highly plausible circumstances which could require the Federal Reserve to alter course or have its own purely U.S. monetary objectives undercut," Mr. Bergsten said.

The New York Times

Just as bad was the realisation that the royal charter, far from protecting journalists from political intrusion, had - in admittedly far-fetched, but plausible, circumstances - negative implications for press freedom.

The Guardian

The passage of real time allows Turow to transport his characters into a new set of plausible circumstances that invariably tie them to the past.

Huffington Post

There are no plausible circumstances in which the Senate would block a deal struck between the House and Obama, because, whichever party controls the Senate, its ideological center will sit comfortably inside in the enormous space between Obama and the House Republicans.

Vice

Scenarios are the archetypical products of future studies, as they facilitate both the possibility for a deeper and more creative thinking about the future (reducing the risk of being surprised and unprepared) while, simultaneously, enabling the enhancement of the collective awareness (and preparation) over multiple plausible circumstances [ 43].

Human Resources for Health

The real genius of "Enough Said" is that it takes this entirely plausible anecdotal circumstance and unlocks both its farcical potential and its latent profundity.

The New York Times

Each paper also includes a brief introduction to the method at hand along with a discussion of the important statistical assumptions that underpin each method and whether or not the assumptions are plausible in the given circumstance.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

The sonic violence of operatic singing becomes, under the circumstances, more plausible.

The New Yorker

Neither the greater scale of the Armenian carnage (1.5 million) compared with that of other Christian communities nor attempts to underscore its particular circumstances are plausible explanations.

The New York Times

As I look out of my office window onto the streets of London, this does not seem to be a remotely plausible description of the circumstances of the British property market.When the data do not fit the theory, the theory is usually wrong.JOHN GILLIGAN Partner Corporate finance BDO LondonThere are two remedies to address the corrosive effects of tax relief for interest expenses.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plausible circumstance" when you want to suggest that a situation is believable and could reasonably occur, especially when providing explanations or justifications.

Common error

While "plausible circumstance" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "credible explanation" or "likely scenario" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plausible circumstance" primarily functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes a specific situation that is considered believable or likely. Ludwig indicates it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plausible circumstance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a believable or likely situation. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it finds application in both news media and scientific contexts. Alternatives like "credible situation" or "believable scenario" can be used for variety or increased precision. Remember to avoid overuse in formal writing and choose more specific terms where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

credible situation

Replaces "plausible" with "credible", emphasizing the believability of the situation.

believable scenario

Substitutes both words, highlighting the realism and feasibility of the scenario.

logical scenario

Emphasizes the rational and coherent nature of the scenario.

conceivable situation

Uses "conceivable" to stress the possibility of the situation existing or occurring.

tenable circumstance

Uses "tenable" to suggest the circumstance is defensible and able to be maintained.

likely event

Focuses on the probability of the event occurring, rather than its inherent plausibility.

realistic possibility

Highlights the practicality and attainability of the possibility.

viable situation

Focuses on the workability and sustainability of the situation.

reasonable context

Emphasizes the logical and rational nature of the context.

arguable case

Suggests the circumstance is debatable and can be presented as a valid point.

FAQs

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

You can use "plausible circumstance" to describe a situation that is believable or likely. For example, "Given the evidence, it's a "plausible circumstance" that the accident occurred due to driver error."

What are some alternatives to "plausible circumstance"?

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

Is "plausible circumstance" formal or informal?

"Plausible circumstance" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in highly formal writing, more precise alternatives might be preferred.

What makes a circumstance "plausible"?

A "plausible circumstance" is one that appears reasonable and likely based on available information and logical reasoning. It doesn't necessarily mean it's true, but it's believable.