sounds plausible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sounds plausible" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express that something seems reasonable or believable. Example: After hearing all of the evidence in the trial, the jury's decision sounded plausible to the judge.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 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

A: Sounds plausible.

The New York Times

It sounds plausible enough.

The New York Times - Books

On the surface, that sounds plausible.

The New York Times

This is possible, but hardly sounds plausible.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Sound plausible.

Stanford University

Does that sound plausible?

The New Yorker

It sounded plausible.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sounds plausible" when you want to express that something appears to be true or reasonable based on the available information, but without definitively confirming its accuracy.

Common error

While "sounds plausible" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal academic papers or professional reports. Opt for stronger, more definitive language when expressing conclusions based on evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sounds plausible" functions as a subject complement. It follows a linking verb ("sounds") and describes or qualifies the subject (an implied "it" or a previously mentioned idea or statement). It provides an assessment of the subject's apparent validity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sounds plausible" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something seems reasonable or believable, though not necessarily proven. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely used in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, academic and scientific contexts, the phrase serves as a subject complement expressing provisional agreement. While versatile, it's advisable to use more decisive language in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "seems believable" or "appears reasonable" to add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems believable

Focuses more on the believability aspect.

appears reasonable

Highlights the logical and rational aspect.

rings true

Implies authenticity and genuineness.

holds water

Suggests the idea withstands scrutiny and is logically sound.

seems credible

Emphasizes trustworthiness and reliability.

is conceivable

Indicates something is possible or imaginable.

seems likely

Focuses on the probability of something being true or happening.

has the ring of truth

Similar to 'rings true' but more emphatic.

bears scrutiny

Highlights that something remains convincing even after being thoroughly examined.

is within the realm of possibility

Highlights that something is possible or conceivable.

FAQs

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

You can use "sounds plausible" to express that something seems reasonable or believable. For example, "His explanation for the missing money sounds plausible, but I still have my doubts."

What can I say instead of "sounds plausible"?

You can use alternatives like "seems believable", "appears reasonable", or "rings true" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "sounds plausible" or "seems plausible"?

Both "sounds plausible" and "seems plausible" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "sounds plausible" and "sounds likely"?

"Sounds plausible" indicates that something appears reasonable based on initial information, while "sounds likely" suggests a higher probability of being true or happening. "Sounds likely" indicates a stronger degree of belief than "sounds plausible."