this seems plausible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this seems plausible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to be reasonable or believable based on the information available. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I must say that this seems plausible as a possible explanation for the phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This seems plausible after the news of this weekend.

The New York Times - Sports

This seems plausible.

The Economist

This seems plausible enough.

The Economist

This seems plausible at first blush.

The New York Times

This seems plausible, not least because this war has shown what NATO really means.

The New York Times

This seems plausible since many states have been steadily relaxing laws regulating the possession and carrying of firearms.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

This seemed plausible, but it was wrong.

The New York Times

This seemed plausible, until I noticed several references to Louisiana State University's Heisman Trophy candidate, Tyrann Mathieu, as "The Honey Badger".

The New Yorker

At 19 this seemed plausible to me and I went for it, pawing at him in the dark, remembering her.

The New York Times

This seemed plausible when Israel was ruled by the Labour government that had helped to usher in the peace process.

The Economist

This seemed plausible to Scott, who had been beaten up a few weeks earlier.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this seems plausible" to express a tentative agreement or acceptance of an idea, argument, or explanation. It's suitable when you find something believable but lack definitive proof. It is also a great way to show receptiveness while maintaining a critical stance.

Common error

Avoid using "this seems plausible" when you have concrete evidence or strong conviction. This phrase implies uncertainty, so opt for more assertive language if the situation warrants it. If the evidence is certain, say "this is true" or "this is correct" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this seems plausible" functions as an epistemic assessment. It conveys that a statement or idea is believably true based on the available information. The adverb "plausible" modifies the verb "seems", indicating a degree of likelihood or credibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this seems plausible" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is believable or reasonable. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse domains, including science, news and media. It serves as an epistemic assessment, conveying agreement while acknowledging uncertainty. When using the phrase, avoid overstating certainty and consider alternative expressions depending on the context. Remember, you can use alternatives like "this appears likely", "this appears probable", and consider that using "this seems plausible" shows receptiveness while maintaining a critical stance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this appears likely

Replaces "seems" with "appears", focusing on outward evidence suggesting likelihood.

this appears probable

Substitutes "plausible" with "probable", highlighting a higher degree of likelihood.

this is possibly true

Replaces "seems plausible" with a direct assertion of potential truth, adding a touch of tentativeness.

this is conceivably the case

Uses a more formal tone with "conceivably the case", suggesting a possibility without strong affirmation.

this could be the explanation

Focuses on the explanatory aspect, suggesting a potential reason or cause.

this holds water

An idiomatic alternative suggesting that something withstands scrutiny or appears to be valid.

this rings true

Emphasizes the intuitive sense of truth or authenticity.

this is within the realm of possibility

Indicates something is possible but does not confirm its likelihood.

this is a potential explanation

Highlights the explanatory power of the idea, framing it as one possibility among others.

this is a viable option

Suggests that something is practical and capable of succeeding, focusing on its feasibility.

FAQs

How can I use "this seems plausible" in a sentence?

Use "this seems plausible" to express that something appears reasonable or believable based on the available information. For example: "Given the data, this seems plausible as a possible explanation."

What are some alternatives to "this seems plausible"?

You can use alternatives like "this appears likely", "this appears probable", or "this is possibly true" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "this seems plausible"?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate that something is believable or reasonable but you don't have definitive proof. It suggests a level of uncertainty or tentativeness.

Is "this seemed plausible" grammatically correct?

Yes, "this seemed plausible" is grammatically correct. It's the past tense version of "this seems plausible", used to describe something that appeared believable or reasonable at a previous point in time.