plausible hypothesis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plausible hypothesis" is a correct usage in written English.
You can use it when formulating a theory or idea based on evidence or facts. For example: "The investigation led to the plausible hypothesis that the arson suspect had an accomplice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is enough evidence to make this a plausible hypothesis.

The Guardian - Business

A more plausible hypothesis, some scholars think, places Atlantis at Crete.

The New York Times - Science

"That's an interesting, plausible hypothesis, and one that wouldn't surprise me".

The New York Times - Magazine

But it is a plausible hypothesis, and is likely to get beekeepers buzzing with interest.

The Economist

The most recent theories about the events of the eruption offer a plausible hypothesis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Richard Ostfeld, a disease ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, in Millbrook, New York, said that it's a plausible hypothesis.

The New Yorker

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

It's a plausible hypothesis, because if you ask for directions to Aberystwyth in the nearby villages the peasants often cross themselves and hurry away muttering".

The Guardian - Travel

Monk and Bryant had to wade through filing cabinets of esoteric scientific papers on prion theories before they could formulate what they describe as their "plausible hypothesis".

The Guardian

But it is a plausible hypothesis; a fresh round of swing state polling could help to settle the question.

The New York Times

Still, this is something to be mindful of, and I think there might be a plausible hypothesis to explain it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plausible hypothesis" when the idea is more than just a guess but lacks definitive proof; it suggests a reasonable explanation worth exploring.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "plausible hypothesis" as a certainty. Instead, acknowledge its speculative nature and the need for further investigation to prevent misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plausible hypothesis" functions as a noun phrase, where "plausible" modifies "hypothesis". According to Ludwig AI, it is correct in written English and denotes a proposition that seems likely or believable based on available evidence. The Ludwig examples showcase this phrase is used to introduce theories that warrant further investigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plausible hypothesis" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term, primarily found in scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It serves to introduce a tentative explanation or theory that appears reasonable based on current knowledge, though it requires further investigation. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it's crucial to acknowledge the speculative nature of such hypotheses. Alternatives include "credible hypothesis" and "reasonable hypothesis". Overstating the plausibility can be a common error, so it's important to present it as a proposition that needs further validation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

credible hypothesis

Emphasizes the believability and trustworthiness of the hypothesis.

believable hypothesis

Highlights the quality of being easy to believe.

reasonable hypothesis

Focuses on the logical and rational aspect of the hypothesis.

tenable hypothesis

Suggests that the hypothesis is defensible and can be maintained against criticism.

viable hypothesis

Indicates that the hypothesis is capable of working successfully; feasible.

workable hypothesis

Similar to viable, focusing on the practicality and functionality of the hypothesis.

defensible hypothesis

Highlights that the hypothesis can be justified and protected from attack.

arguable hypothesis

Suggests that the hypothesis is open to debate but has some merit.

supportable hypothesis

Indicates that the hypothesis has evidence to back it up.

conceivable hypothesis

Emphasizes that the hypothesis is possible to imagine or believe.

FAQs

How to use "plausible hypothesis" in a sentence?

You can use "plausible hypothesis" to introduce an idea or theory that seems reasonable based on the available evidence. For example, "A "plausible hypothesis" is that the increase in temperature is causing the change in the migration patterns of birds".

What can I say instead of "plausible hypothesis"?

You can use alternatives like "credible hypothesis", "reasonable hypothesis", or "viable hypothesis" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a hypothesis "plausible"?

A hypothesis is considered "plausible" when it appears reasonable and likely based on the current understanding of the subject matter and the available evidence, even if it has not been definitively proven.

Which is correct, "plausible hypothesis" or "plausibility hypothesis"?

"Plausible hypothesis" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Plausibility hypothesis" is not a standard or widely recognized term.