sound plausible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sound plausible" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The argument the politician made about the need for increased spending on education sounded plausible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Does that sound plausible?

The New Yorker

The accounts sound plausible".

The New York Times

Does the scene sound plausible?

The New York Times

"This does not sound plausible".

The New York Times

Some of Fry's account does not sound plausible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gilbert "makes even the most ludicrous exchanges sound plausible," Adam Goodheart wrote here in 1998.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Sounds plausible?

The Guardian

It certainly sounds plausible.

Independent

This sounds plausible.

The Economist

Sounds plausible to me.

The New York Times - Books

That sounds plausible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating information, use "sound plausible" to express an initial assessment before deeper scrutiny. For example, "The politician's promise to lower taxes and increase services sounded plausible, but the details were lacking."

Common error

Avoid using "sound plausible" as a final judgement. It indicates an initial assessment that requires further investigation. Ensure you provide additional analysis or evidence to support or refute the initial plausibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sound plausible" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating an initial assessment of believability or likelihood. It suggests something appears reasonable or credible upon initial consideration, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sound plausible" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe something that initially seems believable or likely. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. While "sound plausible" serves as a useful initial assessment, it's crucial to avoid premature conclusions and to conduct further investigation to determine true validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem believable

Focuses on the perception of truth or credibility rather than the initial impression.

appear credible

Emphasizes the apparent trustworthiness and reliability of something.

ring true

Indicates authenticity and genuineness in a more figurative way.

hold water

Suggests that an argument or explanation is logically consistent and defensible.

be conceivable

Highlights the possibility of something being imagined or understood.

be imaginable

Similar to 'be conceivable' but places more emphasis on the ease of picturing something.

stand to reason

Implies that something is logical and sensible based on the available information.

be tenable

Suggests that a position or argument is defensible and can be maintained.

be within the realms of possibility

Indicates that something is not impossible, although it may not be likely.

check out

Implies that something can be verified or confirmed as true or accurate.

FAQs

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

"Sound plausible" is used to describe something that seems believable or likely at first glance. For example, "His excuse for being late sounded plausible, but I still suspected he was lying."

What are some alternatives to "sound plausible"?

You can use alternatives like "seem believable", "appear credible", or "ring true" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "sound plausible" or "seems plausible"?

Both "sound plausible" and "seems plausible" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Seem plausible" might emphasize a subjective assessment more strongly.

What's the difference between "sound plausible" and "be plausible"?

"Sound plausible" indicates an initial impression or assessment, whereas "be plausible" suggests a more inherent quality of believability. For example, "His story may "sound plausible" now, but I doubt it will "be plausible" under closer examination."