to be credible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be credible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reliability or trustworthiness of a person, statement, or source. Example: "In order to gain the trust of your audience, it is essential to be credible in your claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"But it needs to be credible.

The New York Times

"It has got to be credible.

The Guardian - Business

[Al-Qaida's] threats need to be credible.

The Guardian

"To be credible, we must be loyal and be sportsmen".

The New York Times - Sports

"But it needs to be credible," Mr. Carney said.

The New York Times

Mr Lansdorp's plans look too ambitious to be credible.

The Economist

Political attacks have to be credible to work.

Independent

This view seems unlikely to be credible for much longer.

The New York Times

That claim does not seem to be credible.

The New York Times

To be radical, you first need to be credible.

The Guardian - Opinion

How many of those cases are found to be credible?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for authority in your writing, ensure that your sources are impeccable and that you accurately represent information. This makes your claims "to be credible".

Common error

Avoid presenting opinions as facts without backing them up with solid evidence. Exaggerated or unsupported statements can undermine your efforts "to be credible".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be credible" functions as an infinitive phrase acting as an adjective complement. It describes the state or quality of something needing to be believed or trusted. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be credible" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the need for something to be believable or trustworthy. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used across various fields, most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, ensure your claims are well-supported by evidence to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "to be believable", "to be trustworthy", or "to be reliable" can be used to add nuance. By avoiding unsupported statements and focusing on accuracy, you can effectively use the phrase "to be credible" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be believable

Focuses on the capacity to be believed.

to be trustworthy

Emphasizes reliability and integrity.

to be reliable

Highlights consistency and dependability.

to be plausible

Suggests the appearance of truth or reason.

to be convincing

Focuses on the ability to persuade someone.

to be authentic

Emphasizes genuineness and originality.

to be valid

Highlights factual accuracy and soundness.

to be reputable

Focuses on having a good reputation.

to be well-founded

Emphasizes having a strong basis in facts or evidence.

to hold water

An idiomatic expression meaning to appear sound or logical.

FAQs

How can I use "to be credible" in a sentence?

You can use "to be credible" to describe something that is believable or trustworthy. For example, "For the evidence to be credible, it must be verifiable."

What are some alternatives to "to be credible"?

You can use alternatives like "to be believable", "to be trustworthy", or "to be reliable" depending on the specific context.

How does being competent relate to being credible?

Competence often enhances credibility. Demonstrating expertise and skill in a particular area makes your statements and opinions more likely "to be believable".

What makes a source "to be credible"?

A source is "to be credible" when it is accurate, unbiased, and based on verifiable facts. Expert knowledge and a history of reliability also contribute to a source's credibility.