It is not implausible to
Hedging expression to soften claims
حرفيًا: It is not [not] believable to
في 15 ثانية
- A polite way to say 'maybe' without sounding uncertain.
- Uses a double negative to suggest an idea is reasonable.
- Perfect for professional settings or intellectual discussions.
المعنى
This is a clever way to say that something is possible without sounding too sure of yourself. It uses a double negative—'not' and 'implausible'—to suggest an idea is reasonable while keeping a safe distance from being proven wrong.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Discussing a project delay in a meeting
It is not implausible to assume the shipment will be delayed by the storm.
It's reasonable to think the storm might delay the shipment.
Talking about a celebrity rumor with a friend
It is not implausible to think they broke up; they haven't posted together in weeks.
It's possible they broke up since they haven't posted lately.
Writing a formal essay about history
It is not implausible to suggest that economic factors drove the revolution.
One could reasonably argue that the economy caused the revolution.
خلفية ثقافية
This expression is a classic example of 'British Understatement' or academic hedging, which became popular in scientific and legal circles to avoid making false claims. It reflects a cultural value in the English-speaking world that prizes nuance and skepticism over blunt certainty.
The 'Double Negative' Trick
In English, two negatives often make a soft positive. 'Not implausible' is weaker than 'plausible,' which is exactly why people use it—it's safer!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like you're hiding something or are afraid to have an opinion. Use it once per conversation for maximum impact.
في 15 ثانية
- A polite way to say 'maybe' without sounding uncertain.
- Uses a double negative to suggest an idea is reasonable.
- Perfect for professional settings or intellectual discussions.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a safety net for your opinions. When you say something is not implausible, you are saying it could happen. You aren't saying it *will* happen. You aren't even saying it is *likely*. You are simply opening a door. It is the ultimate 'maybe' for smart people. It sounds much more sophisticated than just saying 'perhaps.'
How To Use It
You usually put this at the start of a sentence to introduce a theory. Use the structure: It is not implausible to followed by a verb. For example, It is not implausible to suggest we might be late. It works like a verbal shrug. You are putting an idea on the table but leaving room to take it back later. It’s perfect for when you have a hunch but no hard evidence yet.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to look thoughtful and cautious. It’s great for office meetings when you’re guessing why sales are down. It works well in academic writing or serious debates. You can even use it with friends when discussing a crazy fan theory about a movie. It makes your wildest guesses sound like logical conclusions. It’s the king of 'hedging'—the art of not committing too hard.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase if someone asks you a direct, personal question. If your partner asks, 'Do you love me?', do not say It is not implausible to think so. You will end up sleeping on the couch. Don't use it for things that are 100% certain. If it is raining, don't say It is not implausible to suggest it's wet. You’ll just sound like a robot trying to be human. Keep it for uncertainties.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love being indirect. We often find directness a bit aggressive or rude. This phrase comes from a rhetorical device called 'litotes.' That’s just a fancy word for using a negative to express a positive. It’s a very 'polite society' way of speaking. It suggests you are humble enough to know you might be wrong. It’s the language of diplomats and detectives.
Common Variations
You might hear people say It’s not entirely implausible to add even more cushion. Some might say It is not beyond the realm of possibility. If you want to be even more formal, try One might find it not implausible to. But be careful—adding too many layers makes you sound like a 19th-century lawyer. Stick to the standard version for the best balance of cool and cautious.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase sits firmly in the C1/C2 level of English. It is most effective in writing or structured speech; using it in a loud, casual bar might make you sound a bit out of place unless you're being ironic.
The 'Double Negative' Trick
In English, two negatives often make a soft positive. 'Not implausible' is weaker than 'plausible,' which is exactly why people use it—it's safer!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like you're hiding something or are afraid to have an opinion. Use it once per conversation for maximum impact.
The 'Smart' Vibe
Using this phrase instantly makes you sound like you've read a lot of books. It’s a favorite of professors and analysts.
أمثلة
6It is not implausible to assume the shipment will be delayed by the storm.
It's reasonable to think the storm might delay the shipment.
Softens the bad news so the speaker doesn't sound like they are blaming someone.
It is not implausible to think they broke up; they haven't posted together in weeks.
It's possible they broke up since they haven't posted lately.
Adds a touch of 'detective' logic to casual gossip.
It is not implausible to suggest that economic factors drove the revolution.
One could reasonably argue that the economy caused the revolution.
Standard academic usage to show the writer is considering multiple angles.
It is not implausible to imagine he just dropped his phone in the toilet.
Maybe he dropped his phone in the toilet.
Uses formal language for a silly situation to create a humorous effect.
It is not implausible to believe the suspect had an accomplice.
It's quite possible the suspect had help.
Shows the speaker is following the evidence without jumping to conclusions.
It is not implausible to hope for a full recovery given the new treatment.
It's reasonable to hope for a recovery with this new medicine.
Provides a logical basis for hope rather than just empty words.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best word to complete the hedging expression.
It is not ___ to suggest that the price will rise next year.
While 'impossible' and 'improbable' are words, 'not implausible' is the specific fixed expression used for this type of hedging.
Complete the sentence to sound more professional in a meeting.
___ to think that our competitors are planning a similar launch.
This option provides the necessary formality and 'hedging' required for a professional environment.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality Scale of 'Maybe'
Used with close friends.
Maybe...
Standard daily use.
It's possible that...
Professional or academic.
It is not implausible to...
Legal or highly technical.
It is not beyond the realm of possibility that...
Where to use 'It is not implausible to'
Boardroom Meeting
...suggest a budget cut.
Scientific Paper
...hypothesize a link.
True Crime Podcast
...believe there was a witness.
Polite Disagreement
...see your point of view.
بنك التمارين
2 تمارينIt is not ___ to suggest that the price will rise next year.
While 'impossible' and 'improbable' are words, 'not implausible' is the specific fixed expression used for this type of hedging.
___ to think that our competitors are planning a similar launch.
This option provides the necessary formality and 'hedging' required for a professional environment.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةTechnically yes, but it carries a different 'vibe.' While possible is neutral, not implausible suggests you've thought about it logically and found no reason to reject the idea.
You can, but it usually sounds sarcastic or funny. For example, if a friend asks if you'll ever finish your laundry, you might reply, It is not implausible.
In formal settings, yes. I think sounds like a personal opinion, whereas It is not implausible to suggest sounds like an objective observation.
Impossible means 0% chance. Implausible means it's just really hard to believe or unlikely. So not implausible means 'not hard to believe.'
Both work! You can say It is not implausible to suggest... (verb) or It is not implausible that he forgot... (clause).
Yes, though it feels slightly more 'British' or 'Ivy League.' Americans use it frequently in business and legal contexts.
No, that would mean it's unlikely. The phrase relies on the double negative not + implausible to work as a hedge.
Absolutely. It shows you are a careful thinker. For example: It is not implausible to see growth in this sector.
It can if you use it for simple things. Don't use it for It is not implausible that I am hungry. Use it for complex ideas.
The opposite would be something very direct, like It is certain that or It is obvious that.
عبارات ذات صلة
Within the realm of possibility
Something that could happen, even if unlikely.
Not beyond the bounds of reason
A very formal way to say an idea makes sense.
A distinct possibility
A more confident way to say something might happen.
For all we know
Used to suggest a possibility when we lack information.
