a plausible explanation — believable account
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
an explanation that sounds reasonable and could be true, even if it might not be the real reason.
Say it like a native
Textbook That represents a credible and ostensibly believable account of events.
Native That's a plausible explanation.
'Credible and ostensibly believable' is redundant; 'plausible' already means that.
Pattern: a plausible explanation for/of [something]
In use
- The scientist offered a plausible explanation for the unexpected results.communication
- In my opinion, the most plausible explanation for the rise in online learning is the increased accessibility of technology.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ It's a plausable explanation.
✓ It's a plausible explanation.
Spelled 'plausible'.
Common collocations
a plausible explanation— for, seems, offer, perfectly
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'a possible explanation' (which means any explanation that could be true), 'a plausible explanation' suggests the explanation is convincing and makes sense, even if it might not be correct.