plausible doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"plausible doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in the legal context to mean that someone believes that there is a reasonable doubt or argument in favor of a particular outcome. For example, "The jury was instructed to consider all the evidence with a reasonable doubt, but some jurors believed that there was a plausible doubt that the defendant was innocent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For those who aren't conspiracy-minded, this is the more plausible doubt to harbor about McMullin: that taking a stand was also a way of kickstarting his career.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This feature of the features does argue for Leonardo's authorship — or auteurship, anyhow, if the handiwork that we see isn't fully his own — despite some more or less plausible doubts that Jerry Saltz, in New York, ticked through, with entertaining zest, before the auction.

The New Yorker

In principle, that seems perfectly plausible, and no doubt there is interdependence between the two sides of a payment system.

The New York Times

Most epidemiologists and biologists do not find such a tissue-skipping mechanism plausible and most doubt that there is any causal link between frontal tumors and phones.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many scientists think that wormholes are physically plausible, but most doubt that spaceships would be able to cross the bridge.

Science Magazine

However, in many cases, the instrumental variable assumptions are not plausible, or are in doubt.

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

He says this in a way that sounds not just plausible but hard to doubt.

The New York Times - Magazine

The idea of a real possibility is best illustrated by what a TV lawyer would call an "alternative theory of the crime" (van Inwagen, in discussion) which is plausible enough to cause doubt, in the sense of inability to assent, to the proposition that the accused is guilty.

SEP

After all that had transpired, Thomas' doubt is plausible; but Jesus' response to that doubt is not shame or rejection, but an acceptance that beautifully leads Thomas to belief.

Huffington Post

This assumption is plausible but not beyond doubt.

Dose-Response

However, such inferences are questionable as they presume that production factors can flow freely between jurisdictions, which in many cases is not plausible, and therefore there is doubt about the reliability of this hypothesis.2.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plausible doubt", ensure the context provides a clear reason for the doubt. Stating the basis for the doubt strengthens your argument and makes it more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "plausible doubt" when the evidence strongly suggests a different conclusion. Overstating the plausibility of a doubt can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plausible doubt" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "plausible" modifies the noun "doubt". It suggests that the doubt is not only possible but also has a basis in reason or evidence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s commonly used, often in legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plausible doubt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a reasonable uncertainty. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most commonly used in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, marking a neutral to formal register. While "plausible doubt" doesn't carry the same weight as "reasonable doubt", it effectively communicates the existence of a legitimate question or alternative possibility. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports the reason for the doubt to enhance clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

credible uncertainty

Emphasizes the believability of the uncertainty.

conceivable misgiving

Highlights the possibility of feeling apprehension.

believable skepticism

Focuses on the trustworthiness of the doubt.

reasonable uncertainty

Suggests the uncertainty is justified and logical.

valid reservation

Highlights the legitimacy of the hesitation.

tenable skepticism

Emphasizes that the doubt is defensible and reasonable.

arguable uncertainty

Highlights that the uncertainty can be debated and supported.

realistic questioning

Focuses on the practicality of the questioning.

genuine hesitancy

Suggests a true and sincere reluctance.

justifiable qualm

Emphasizes that the doubt is warranted and appropriate.

FAQs

How is "plausible doubt" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "plausible doubt" refers to a doubt that is reasonable and based on evidence, suggesting that an alternative explanation or outcome is possible. It often falls short of "reasonable doubt", which is the standard for acquittal, but it raises legitimate questions.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "plausible doubt"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "credible uncertainty", "conceivable misgiving", or "believable skepticism". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "plausible doubt" and "reasonable doubt"?

"Plausible doubt" suggests a possibility or potential for doubt, while "reasonable doubt" implies a higher standard where the doubt is significant enough to prevent a conviction. "Plausible doubt" is weaker and might not be sufficient to warrant action or change on its own.

Can "plausible doubt" be used in everyday conversation, or is it strictly formal?

While "plausible doubt" is often used in more formal or professional contexts like law or academia, it can certainly be used in everyday conversation when discussing uncertainties or alternative possibilities. However, in informal settings, simpler terms like "valid reservation" or "genuine hesitancy" might be more appropriate.