In 15 Seconds
- Describes something believable and logically sound in reality.
- Used to evaluate theories, excuses, or future plans.
- Higher level of certainty than just 'possible' but not 'certain'.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that isn't just a wild 'maybe.' It means an idea or scenario actually makes sense and could happen in the real world.
Key Examples
3 of 7Discussing a project timeline
Ton plan pour finir le projet en deux jours est réellement plausible.
Your plan to finish the project in two days is really plausible.
Texting a friend about a rumor
J'ai entendu qu'ils vont se marier, c'est réellement plausible !
I heard they are getting married, it's really plausible!
Critiquing a movie plot
La fin du film n'était pas réellement plausible, à mon avis.
The end of the movie wasn't really plausible, in my opinion.
Cultural Background
The French value 'la cohérence' (consistency) above all in debate. A 'plausible' argument is often more respected than an 'emotional' one. In Quebec, while 'réellement plausible' is used, you might also hear 'ça fait du sens', though this is technically an anglicism (from 'it makes sense'). Belgian French uses the phrase identically to France, often in administrative and legal contexts to describe the validity of a claim. Swiss French speakers might use 'réellement plausible' in the context of their direct democracy, discussing whether a new law's impact is believable.
Use it in the DELF
Using this phrase in the B2 writing exam shows you can handle complex adverbs and nuanced logic.
Watch the spelling
Don't forget the double 'l' in 'réellement'. It's a common spelling bee trap!
In 15 Seconds
- Describes something believable and logically sound in reality.
- Used to evaluate theories, excuses, or future plans.
- Higher level of certainty than just 'possible' but not 'certain'.
What It Means
Think of réellement plausible as the bridge between 'possible' and 'probable.' It is something that holds water under scrutiny. You aren't just saying it could happen. You are saying it is believable. It suggests a level of logical consistency. If a friend tells you they saw a UFO, that is possible. If they say they missed the bus, that is réellement plausible.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this to evaluate ideas or excuses. It usually follows the verb être. For example, C'est réellement plausible. You can also use it to describe a theory or a plot point in a movie. It sounds smart but stays very natural. It adds a layer of serious consideration to your opinion. It shows you have thought about the logic behind a statement.
When To Use It
Use it during a brainstorming session at work. It is great for discussing news or politics with friends. Use it when you are analyzing a mystery novel together. It fits perfectly when someone gives you an explanation for being late. If the excuse sounds like it might actually be true, use this. It is the language of the 'reasonable person.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for things that are 100% certain. If the sun is shining, saying it is réellement plausible sounds weird. Avoid it for things that are totally impossible or magical. It is too grounded for fantasy worlds. Also, don't use it if you are being extremely emotional. It is a phrase for the head, not just the heart. It might sound a bit cold during a romantic declaration.
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on Cartesian logic and 'le bon sens.' Being able to distinguish between 'possible' and 'plausible' is a sign of critical thinking. In French debates, people love to pick apart arguments. Using réellement plausible shows you are engaging with the logic of the other person. It is a polite way to say, 'I see the logic here.'
Common Variations
You might hear vraiment plausible which is slightly more casual. Tout à fait plausible means it is 'completely' plausible. If you want to be more formal, try crédible. If you want to be more skeptical, say peu plausible. Each one shifts the level of certainty just a little bit. But réellement plausible remains the gold standard for balanced judgment.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe to use in almost any context. Just remember that it focuses on logic and credibility rather than just simple possibility.
Use it in the DELF
Using this phrase in the B2 writing exam shows you can handle complex adverbs and nuanced logic.
Watch the spelling
Don't forget the double 'l' in 'réellement'. It's a common spelling bee trap!
The 'Cartesian' compliment
Calling a French person's idea 'réellement plausible' is a high form of intellectual respect.
Examples
7Ton plan pour finir le projet en deux jours est réellement plausible.
Your plan to finish the project in two days is really plausible.
The speaker is validating the logic of the timeline.
J'ai entendu qu'ils vont se marier, c'est réellement plausible !
I heard they are getting married, it's really plausible!
Using the phrase to agree with the likelihood of gossip.
La fin du film n'était pas réellement plausible, à mon avis.
The end of the movie wasn't really plausible, in my opinion.
Expressing skepticism about a story's logic.
Votre explication concernant le retard est réellement plausible.
Your explanation regarding the delay is really plausible.
A formal acknowledgement that an excuse is believable.
Que tu sois un agent secret ? Ce n'est pas réellement plausible, Marc.
That you're a secret agent? That's not really plausible, Marc.
Using the phrase to gently tease someone's unlikely claim.
Cette hypothèse scientifique semble réellement plausible après ces tests.
This scientific hypothesis seems really plausible after these tests.
Used in a serious, evidence-based context.
Une réconciliation entre eux est réellement plausible maintenant.
A reconciliation between them is really plausible now.
Evaluating the likelihood of an emotional outcome.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
Cette hypothèse scientifique est ________ ________.
We need the adverb 'réellement' and the singular adjective 'plausible' to agree with 'hypothèse'.
Which sentence is the most formal and correct?
Evaluating a business plan:
This uses the correct adverbial form and a formal structure.
Match the French phrase with its English equivalent.
Matching exercise
Direct translation of the core phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Je pense que le coupable est le jardinier. B: Pourquoi ? A: Il avait la clé et un motif. B: C'est ________ ________.
In a detective context, 'plausible' is the best fit for evaluating a theory.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCette hypothèse scientifique est ________ ________.
We need the adverb 'réellement' and the singular adjective 'plausible' to agree with 'hypothèse'.
Evaluating a business plan:
This uses the correct adverbial form and a formal structure.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation of the core phrase.
A: Je pense que le coupable est le jardinier. B: Pourquoi ? A: Il avait la clé et un motif. B: C'est ________ ________.
In a detective context, 'plausible' is the best fit for evaluating a theory.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, 'très plausible' is common, but 'réellement' adds a layer of 'in reality' that 'très' lacks.
Usually, yes. It means something is believable. However, 'trop plausible' can sometimes imply something is too perfect to be true.
Absolutely. It's a standard way to describe a hypothesis that fits the data.
It is the same: 'plausible'. It doesn't change for gender.
You can say 'pas plausible', 'peu plausible', or 'invraisemblable'.
Related Phrases
tenir la route
similarTo hold water / to make sense
vraisemblable
synonymLikely / probable
tiré par les cheveux
contrastFar-fetched
crédible
similarCredible
