plausible reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"plausible reason" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a justification or explanation that is reasonable and likely to be true. For example: "He was late for work, but his plausible reason for being late was that there was an accident on the highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Need strong, dramatic, yet plausible reason.

The New Yorker

The most plausible reason for the board's resistance is aesthetics.

The New Yorker

There is no plausible reason to keep the prison open.

The New York Times

Another plausible reason is the productivity surge itself.

The Economist

They then write down every plausible reason they can think of to explain the failure.

The New York Times

There is a plausible reason that Al Gore speaks the way he does.

The New York Times

But one possible, and infuriatingly plausible, reason is the one suggested by Rasenberger's report.

The New Yorker

Then again, she has a very plausible reason not to come forward, right?

The New York Times - Magazine

But Lindsay's examination found a plausible reason to take him off the active roster.

The New York Times

That seemed the only plausible reason why Vince left his crease.

The Guardian - Sport

There was, in fact, no plausible reason for any senator to vote against her.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plausible reason", ensure that the reason provided aligns logically with the situation and is supported by available evidence to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "plausible reason" as a definitive explanation when it's merely a possibility; use qualifying language like "a plausible reason might be" to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plausible reason" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, identifying or describing a reason that is believable or likely. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plausible reason" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that introduces a believable explanation or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and formal communication. When writing, ensure that any reason presented as "plausible reason" aligns logically with the situation and is supported by evidence. While frequently used, it is important to not overstate its definitive nature. Alternatives such as ""credible explanation"" and ""believable justification"" can add nuance depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

credible explanation

Emphasizes the believability and trustworthiness of the explanation.

believable justification

Highlights the defensible and convincing nature of the reason.

convincing rationale

Focuses on the power of the reason to persuade or convince.

tenable explanation

Stresses the defensibility and sustainability of the explanation.

valid justification

Underscores the legitimacy and soundness of the reason.

logical basis

Highlights that the cause is in line with reason and well-thought-out.

reasonable grounds

Emphasizes the fairness and rationality of the basis.

likely cause

Shifts the focus to the probability and likelihood of the reason being the true cause.

possible explanation

Suggests a potential reason that might be accurate but isn't necessarily confirmed.

potential justification

Indicates a possible defense or support, but not definitively proven.

FAQs

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

You can use "plausible reason" to introduce an explanation that seems likely to be true. For instance, "A "plausible reason" for the delay is the heavy traffic on the highway."

What are some alternatives to saying "plausible reason"?

Alternatives to "plausible reason" include "credible explanation", "believable justification", or "convincing rationale", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "plausible reason" or "possible reason"?

"Plausible reason" suggests the reason is likely and believable, while "possible reason" simply indicates it's not impossible. Use "plausible reason" when you want to emphasize that the explanation is credible.

Can "plausible reason" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "plausible reason" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to introduce a credible explanation or justification. Using stronger alternatives as "valid justification" depends on the context.