It is plausible that
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use it to suggest a logical possibility while protecting yourself from being proven wrong later.
In 15 Sekunden
- A sophisticated way to say 'maybe' or 'it's possible.'
- Used to suggest a logical theory without claiming absolute certainty.
- Helps you sound objective, professional, and intellectually cautious.
- Common in business, science, and academic discussions.
Bedeutung
This phrase is a polite way to say something is possible or likely without being 100% sure. It helps you sound smart and careful because you aren't making a pinky-promise that you're right.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Discussing a missing item with a roommate
It is plausible that I left my keys in the car again.
It is possible that I left my keys in the car again.
A business meeting about a competitor
It is plausible that they will lower their prices next quarter.
It is likely they will lower their prices next quarter.
Texting a friend about a celebrity rumor
It is plausible that they broke up; they haven't posted together in weeks.
It makes sense that they broke up.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This expression is a hallmark of 'hedging' in English discourse, a strategy used to avoid over-commitment to a statement. It rose to mainstream popularity through police procedurals and scientific documentaries, where 'plausibility' is the standard for a working theory. It reflects a Western cultural emphasis on evidence-based reasoning and intellectual modesty.
The 'Smart' Shortcut
If you want to sound like an expert in a meeting without knowing the answer, start with 'It is plausible that...' followed by a logical guess. It buys you time and respect.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you are hiding something or are afraid to take a stand. Use it once or twice per conversation.
In 15 Sekunden
- A sophisticated way to say 'maybe' or 'it's possible.'
- Used to suggest a logical theory without claiming absolute certainty.
- Helps you sound objective, professional, and intellectually cautious.
- Common in business, science, and academic discussions.
What It Means
It is plausible that is your go-to phrase for 'maybe.' It suggests a theory makes sense. It means the facts align with your idea. You aren't guessing randomly. You are providing a logical possibility. It is like saying, 'I can see this happening.'
How To Use It
Put this phrase at the start of your sentence. Follow it with a full thought. For example: It is plausible that the cat ate the ham. You are pointing at the cat. You have no proof. But the cat looks guilty and full. It sounds much more sophisticated than just saying 'Maybe.' Use it to bridge the gap between a guess and a fact. It keeps you safe if you end up being wrong later.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound objective. It works great in office meetings. Use it when discussing why a project is late. It is perfect for true crime fans discussing theories. Use it when you want to be persuasive but cautious. It shows you have thought about the logic. It makes people take your suggestions more seriously. You will sound like a detective or a scientist.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are definitely true. If the sun is shining, don't say it's plausible. That sounds robotic and weird. Avoid it in very emotional, high-stakes moments. If your partner asks if you love them, don't say It is plausible. You will definitely end up sleeping on the couch. It is too cold for intimate moments. Also, skip it in fast-paced slang-heavy chats with teens.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love 'hedging.' We hate being flat-out wrong. It feels embarrassing. So, we use 'cautious language' to protect our reputation. This phrase comes from academic and legal worlds. It has filtered down into everyday 'smart' conversation. It reflects a culture that values logic and evidence. It also shows a bit of intellectual humility.
Common Variations
It's plausible that...(More common in speech)It seems plausible...(Adds even more doubt)A plausible explanation is...(Focuses on the reason)Highly plausible(When you are 80% sure)Technically plausible(It could happen, but it's unlikely)
Nutzungshinweise
This is a C1-level expression that sits firmly in the formal/neutral register. It is highly effective in professional settings to avoid sounding aggressive or overly confident.
The 'Smart' Shortcut
If you want to sound like an expert in a meeting without knowing the answer, start with 'It is plausible that...' followed by a logical guess. It buys you time and respect.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you are hiding something or are afraid to take a stand. Use it once or twice per conversation.
The British Understatement
In British English, 'It is plausible' can sometimes be a polite way of saying 'I don't believe you, but I can't prove you're lying yet.' Pay attention to the tone!
Beispiele
6It is plausible that I left my keys in the car again.
It is possible that I left my keys in the car again.
Softens the admission of a mistake.
It is plausible that they will lower their prices next quarter.
It is likely they will lower their prices next quarter.
Professional speculation based on market trends.
It is plausible that they broke up; they haven't posted together in weeks.
It makes sense that they broke up.
Using logic to back up gossip.
It is plausible that my neighbor is actually an alien, given his green skin.
It's possible my neighbor is an alien.
Using formal language for an absurd topic for comedic effect.
It is plausible that I misinterpreted what you said earlier.
It's possible I misunderstood you.
A polite way to take responsibility without full blame.
It is plausible that the temperature affected the outcome of the test.
The temperature likely changed the results.
Standard academic caution.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the professional hedge.
It is ___ that the delay was caused by the heavy rain.
'Plausible' fits the formal structure 'It is [adjective] that...'
Which phrase makes the speaker sound most certain?
___ that we will finish the project on time.
'Plausible' only suggests possibility, while 'certain' expresses 100% confidence.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of Saying 'Maybe'
Used with friends
Maybe...
Everyday situations
It's possible that...
Professional/Academic
It is plausible that...
Where to use 'It is plausible that'
Office Meeting
Explaining a budget drop
True Crime Chat
Discussing a theory
Science Lab
Hypothesizing results
Polite Argument
Disagreeing gently
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot exactly. 'Possible' means it *can* happen (even a 1% chance), while 'plausible' means it *makes sense* or is reasonable to believe.
Yes, but it might sound a bit fancy or dramatic. It's great for joking around or discussing serious topics like news or movies.
Usually, we use that followed by a subject and verb, like It is plausible that he forgot. Use to for actions, like It is plausible to assume...
Just add 'not.' For example: It is not plausible that a dog drove the car. This means the idea is ridiculous.
Extremely! You will see it in news articles, essays, and business reports all the time.
You can say It's likely that or I bet that if you are in a casual setting.
It implies you think it's a strong candidate for the truth, but you aren't ready to bet your life on it.
Yes, it's perfect for professional emails where you are suggesting a solution to a problem.
Probable means it is more likely than not (over 50%). Plausible just means it's a believable explanation.
Yes, it's a classic academic phrase used to discuss hypotheses and theories.
Verwandte Redewendungen
It stands to reason that
It is logical to conclude that...
Within the realm of possibility
Something that could happen, even if unlikely.
Arguably
Used when you want to state an opinion that can be supported by facts.
On the face of it
How something seems when you first look at it.
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