a bit tenuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit tenuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, argument, or connection that is weak or not well-founded. Example: "Her explanation for the sudden change in plans was a bit tenuous, leaving us all confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"The business case is a bit tenuous," he said.

The New York Times

(O.K., so maybe that connection is a bit tenuous).

The New York Times

At some banks, the relationship between pay and profit is a bit tenuous.

The New York Times

Mr. McVicar believes that Professor Ingersoll's attempted connection between Christian economics and the rallies in Madison is a bit tenuous.

The New York Times

All a bit tenuous if you ask me, although my dad does love a bar of the triangular stuff.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Brooklyn is the focus of the orchestra's program tomorrow evening, although the connections are sometimes a bit tenuous.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

* On TechCrunch, Erick Schonfeld speculates that Steven Ballmer's position as Microsoft's chief executive is a bit more tenuous today.

The New York Times

On Sunday the premise gets a bit more tenuous, as the singers Carla Cook and Elisabeth Lohninger celebrate Dinah Washington, who employed Mr. Zawinul from 1959 to 1961.

The New York Times - Arts

So the connection between this concept and today's rental news was a bit more tenuous.

TechCrunch

Ok, bit tenuous this one as it's not actually about weed in any way, but still, the group's called Blaze and the song's called "Lovelee Dae" and it's sunny as I write this and it's probably a lovely day to sit outside inhaling plants wrapped in paper in a car park somewhere.

Vice

Today the fear is a bit different: that the tenuous gains made by the troop increase will erode.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bit tenuous", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect is weak or uncertain. Provide supporting information to strengthen the point if possible.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit tenuous" when the situation is clearly much more severe. Opt for stronger language if the weakness is significant or critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit tenuous" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It expresses a degree of uncertainty or weakness associated with that noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit tenuous" is a useful phrase for expressing a mild degree of uncertainty or weakness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context is clear and the level of weakness is accurately represented. Consider alternatives like "somewhat shaky" or "slightly dubious" for subtle shifts in meaning. By avoiding overstatement and providing context, you can effectively use "a bit tenuous" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat shaky

Emphasizes instability and lack of solid foundation compared to "a bit tenuous".

slightly dubious

Highlights the questionable or doubtful nature, shifting focus from weakness to suspicion.

a little fragile

Focuses on vulnerability and ease of being broken, rather than the uncertainty of "a bit tenuous".

rather weak

Directly expresses lack of strength or substance, a more straightforward assessment.

not very convincing

Shifts the focus to the lack of persuasiveness in an argument or explanation.

somewhat uncertain

Highlights the lack of definiteness or predictability, emphasizing doubt.

a little questionable

Points out the dubiousness or potential wrongness, introducing an element of scrutiny.

slightly unsupported

Emphasizes the lack of evidence or backing for a claim or idea.

a bit flimsy

Suggests a lack of solidity or strength, implying a lack of durability.

not entirely reliable

Focuses on the untrustworthiness or potential for failure, highlighting dependability issues.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit tenuous" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit tenuous" to describe connections, arguments, or plans that are not strongly supported or reliable. For example, "The link between the two events seems "a bit tenuous".".

What's a good alternative to "a bit tenuous"?

Alternatives include "somewhat shaky", "slightly dubious", or "a little fragile", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a bit tenuous" or "tenuous"?

"Tenuous" alone implies a weaker connection, while "a bit tenuous" softens the statement, suggesting a slight uncertainty or weakness. The choice depends on the degree of weakness you want to emphasize.

What does "a bit tenuous" mean in the context of a business plan?

In a business plan, "a bit tenuous" might describe a market analysis or financial projection that lacks sufficient evidence or strong assumptions, implying that it needs further validation.