a flawed census

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flawed census" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a census that has inaccuracies or errors in its data collection or reporting. Example: "The researchers highlighted the issues with the data, emphasizing that it was based on a flawed census that did not accurately represent the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That would virtually guarantee a flawed census.

The New York Times

The poll is based on a flawed census that has allowed the ruling party to skew the outcome, she says.

Independent

Or that they will be as free and fair as possible given that millions of citizens will not be able to participate due to a flawed census and security concerns, or that they will be as free and fair as possible given that there has not been freedom of assembly or freedom of the press during the campaign.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It was based on the outcome of a flawed 1983 census which put the population at 35.4m, updated with subsequent guesses about rates of fertility and mortality, in the absence of meaningful data.

The Economist

The (flawed) census data indicate that the proportions of the population engaged in a mobile lifestyle have declined (see Figure 1) and a considerable literature points to the sedentarisation of both the rich (a small minority) and the poor who have lost most/all their livestock and thus no longer need to be mobile.

Pastoralism

Myanmar's "flawed" census inflames ethnic tensions and marginalizes minorities.

Vice

"A flawed androgyny".

Independent

What constitutes a flawed typeface?

The New Yorker

It's a flawed comparison.

The New York Times

A flawed but touching novel.

The Economist

This is a flawed interpretation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a flawed census", specify the nature of the flaws to provide more context and clarity. For example, mention if the flaws are due to undercounting, inaccurate data collection, or biased methodology.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a flawed census" automatically invalidates all subsequent analyses or decisions. Acknowledge the limitations but assess the extent to which the flaws affect the overall conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flawed census" functions as a noun phrase, where "flawed" is an adjective modifying the noun "census". It describes a census that contains errors or inaccuracies, impacting its reliability. As per Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flawed census" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a census containing inaccuracies or errors. Ludwig confirms its usability in English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as scientific publications. The phrase serves to express concerns about the reliability of census data and its potential impact on decision-making. When using this phrase, it is best practice to specify the nature of the flaws to provide context and avoid overgeneralizing the impact. Consider using alternative phrases such as "an inaccurate census" or "a compromised census" to fine-tune the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inaccurate census

Focuses specifically on the lack of accuracy in the census data.

a defective census

Emphasizes the presence of inherent faults or shortcomings in the census process or results.

a compromised census

Highlights the potential for external factors or manipulation affecting the census data.

a tainted census

Suggests that the census results have been corrupted or made unreliable.

a skewed census

Indicates that the census results are biased or disproportionately represent certain groups.

a questionable census

Raises doubts about the validity or reliability of the census.

an unreliable census

Emphasizes the untrustworthiness of the census data for decision-making.

a deficient census

Highlights the lack of completeness or thoroughness in the census process.

a problematic census

Indicates the existence of various issues and challenges associated with the census.

a misrepresented census

Suggests that the census data is portraying an inaccurate picture of the population.

FAQs

How does "a flawed census" impact policy decisions?

A flawed census can lead to misallocation of resources, inaccurate representation in government, and ineffective policy implementation. It is crucial to acknowledge and correct census errors to ensure fair and equitable outcomes.

What are some common causes of "a flawed census"?

Common causes include undercounting of marginalized populations, errors in data collection, biased sampling methods, and technical glitches in data processing. Addressing these issues requires careful planning, community engagement, and rigorous quality control measures.

What can I say instead of "a flawed census"?

You can use alternatives like "an inaccurate census", "a deficient census", or "a compromised census" depending on the specific issues affecting the census.

What steps can be taken to mitigate the impact of "a flawed census"?

Mitigation strategies include using statistical adjustments to correct for undercounting, conducting post-enumeration surveys to assess accuracy, and implementing robust data validation procedures to identify and correct errors.