Under Twombly–Iqbal, what must a complaint show to survive dismissal?

• A. The complaint must be pled with only legal conclusions; no facts required.
• B. The plaintiff must plead facts that allow a reasonable inference of liability; mere possibility is insufficient.
• C. The complaint must include evidence.
• D. The complaint must be a sworn pleading.

Answer: (B)

The pleading standard after Twombly and Iqbal is plausibility. A complaint must allege facts that, taken as true, render a plausible inference of liability—not just a possible one. Courts accept nonconclusory factual allegations and use them to determine whether it’s plausible that the defendant is liable. Statements that amount only to legal conclusions or mere speculation don’t meet this bar; they must be supported by enough factual content to show a realistic chance of relief. Evidence and sworn testimony aren’t required at this stage; discovery will later provide proof, but the complaint itself must present a plausible claim through factual allegations.