a sketchy proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sketchy proposal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a proposal that is vague, unclear, or lacking in detail and reliability. Example: "The committee rejected the project because it was based on a sketchy proposal that didn't provide enough information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indeed, 10 years ago, HuffPost was a sketchy proposition.

Huffington Post

Mr. Bush's sketchy proposal fails to answer where he would find the money to pay retirees as payroll taxes were diverted into private accounts.

The New York Times

He has one paragraph with two sketchy proposals, but nothing of substance.

The Guardian

After that, he made some early and sketchy proposals to overhaul the system that disciplines accountants.

The New York Times

The chairman of an accounting ethics board, meanwhile, reaffirmed the board's decision to disband in light of the sketchy proposals by the Securities and Exchange Commission to restructure disciplinary rules.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama called Mr. Romney's proposal a "sketchy deal".

The New York Times

It would be followed by a second stage for Iran to begin accepting a series of curbs on its nuclear activities that would be matched by a step-by-step easing of Western sanctions, in particular the embargo on Iran's oil and gas exports and financial measures that have hit its trade with the rest of the world.As yet only a sketchy outline of the Iranian proposal is in the public domain.

The Economist

As his campaign began an all-out assault on Mr. Romney's credibility and conservative views, the president soon was denouncing Mr. Romney's budget proposals as a "sketchy deal" and charging that the Republican nominee was not telling Americans the truth.

The New York Times

A sketchy proof of this theorem is proposed in Sect.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

Joseph tells a sketchy autobiography.

The New York Times - Books

They have had a sketchy relationship lately.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a proposal as "a sketchy proposal", be prepared to articulate specific reasons for its perceived lack of substance or clarity. Providing concrete examples strengthens your critique.

Common error

Avoid labeling every underdeveloped idea as "a sketchy proposal" without providing specific critiques. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can come across as dismissive without constructive feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sketchy proposal" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "sketchy" modifies the noun "proposal". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and used to describe something lacking in detail or reliability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sketchy proposal" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a plan or idea that lacks detail, clarity, or credibility. According to Ludwig AI, it is acceptable in written English. While relatively rare, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, media, and science. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the potential for informality in certain professional settings and consider using alternatives such as "a vague proposition" or "an ill-defined plan". Always justify your assessment with specific reasons for the proposal's perceived shortcomings to enhance the impact of your critique.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vague proposition

Replaces 'sketchy' with 'vague', emphasizing the lack of clarity or definition.

an ill-defined plan

Substitutes 'sketchy proposal' with 'ill-defined plan', highlighting the lack of clear boundaries or structure.

a poorly developed idea

Replaces 'sketchy' with 'poorly developed', focusing on the lack of thoroughness in the idea's formation.

an unsubstantiated scheme

Emphasizes the lack of evidence or support for the proposal, using 'unsubstantiated' and 'scheme'.

a dubious proposition

Replaces 'sketchy' with 'dubious', suggesting doubt or suspicion about the proposal's validity.

a flimsy suggestion

Implies the proposal is weak or easily refuted, using 'flimsy' and 'suggestion'.

a half-baked scheme

Replaces 'sketchy proposal' with a more informal 'half-baked scheme', indicating a lack of complete planning.

an incomplete proposition

Highlights that the proposal is missing essential elements or details.

a rough draft proposal

Suggests the proposal is in its early stages and lacks refinement.

a questionable recommendation

Replaces 'sketchy' with 'questionable' to highlight the uncertain or problematic aspects of the recommendation.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe something as "a sketchy proposal"?

Describing something as "a sketchy proposal" means that it is vague, ill-defined, or lacks sufficient detail and credibility. It implies that the proposal needs more work and is potentially unreliable in its current form.

What can I say instead of "a sketchy proposal"?

You can use alternatives like "a vague proposition", "an ill-defined plan", or "a poorly developed idea" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a sketchy proposal" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a sketchy proposal" may be considered informal for some formal contexts. Opt for more professional alternatives like "an unsubstantiated scheme" or "a poorly developed idea" in business or academic settings.

How do I critique "a sketchy proposal" effectively?

When critiquing "a sketchy proposal", provide specific examples of what is lacking or unclear. Focus on areas where the proposal needs more detail, evidence, or a more robust plan. Avoid simply dismissing it as 'sketchy' without constructive feedback.