When an argument “holds water,” it remains credible or logically sound under scrutiny. These alternatives range from conversational to formal and are useful for claims, explanations, theories, and arguments.
Choose the Alternative by Formality
- Stands up
- Is valid
- Is sound
- Makes sense
- Is credible
- Is defensible
- Is logical
- Is convincing
- Checks out
- Is tenable
Stands up
Stands up works for survives examination or criticism. It narrows the broader meaning of “holds water,” making the sentence more precise when that distinction matters.
Example: In this context, “Stands up” is the clearer choice for survives examination or criticism.
Is valid
Use Is valid when you are describing is logically or factually acceptable. It is a contextual alternative to “holds water,” not a universal replacement.
Example: A writer could choose “Is valid” when referring to is logically or factually acceptable.
Is sound
Is sound emphasizes is well founded and reliable. That makes it useful when the original wording “holds water” feels too broad or vague.
Example: Here, “Is sound” works because the sentence concerns is well founded and reliable.
Makes sense
Choose Makes sense for is understandable and logically coherent. The word or phrase adds a specific shade of meaning that “holds water” may leave unstated.
Example: Use “Makes sense” in a sentence where the intended meaning is is understandable and logically coherent.
Is credible
Is credible works for is believable enough to be trusted. It narrows the broader meaning of “holds water,” making the sentence more precise when that distinction matters.
Example: In this context, “Is credible” is the clearer choice for is believable enough to be trusted.
Is defensible
Use Is defensible when you are describing can be supported against criticism. It is a contextual alternative to “holds water,” not a universal replacement.
Example: A writer could choose “Is defensible” when referring to can be supported against criticism.
Is logical
Is logical emphasizes follows coherent reasoning. That makes it useful when the original wording “holds water” feels too broad or vague.
Example: Here, “Is logical” works because the sentence concerns follows coherent reasoning.
Is convincing
Choose Is convincing for persuades because the reasoning or evidence is strong. The word or phrase adds a specific shade of meaning that “holds water” may leave unstated.
Example: Use “Is convincing” in a sentence where the intended meaning is persuades because the reasoning or evidence is strong.
Checks out
Checks out works for informal phrase meaning proves consistent with the facts. It narrows the broader meaning of “holds water,” making the sentence more precise when that distinction matters.
Example: In this context, “Checks out” is the clearer choice for informal phrase meaning proves consistent with the facts.
Is tenable
Use Is tenable when you are describing formal term for a position that can reasonably be defended. It is a contextual alternative to “holds water,” not a universal replacement.
Example: A writer could choose “Is tenable” when referring to formal term for a position that can reasonably be defended.
How to Choose the Best Option for “Holds Water”
Start with the meaning of “holds water” in your sentence, then choose the alternative that preserves that meaning and fits the grammar, tone, and level of formality. Variety helps only when it also improves precision; keep “holds water” when it remains the clearest and most natural wording.