a tenuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tenuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is weak, fragile, or lacking a strong foundation, often in contexts related to arguments, relationships, or connections. Example: "The evidence presented in the case was a tenuous link to the suspect, making it difficult to prove guilt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A tenuous calm reigns.

The New Yorker

It was a tenuous line.

The New Yorker

It's a tenuous connection.

The Washington Post

The place may have a tenuous atmosphere.

The Economist

But she is in a tenuous position.

The New York Times - Sports

But that remains a tenuous supposition.

The New York Times - Sports

Was love really such a tenuous thing?

The New York Times - Books

It is a tenuous balance.

The New York Times

That is a tenuous assertion.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a tenuous existence.

The New York Times - Food

"It's such a tenuous thing," Pierce said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tenuous", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking strength or stability. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a tenuous" when the subject is demonstrably strong or certain. This creates a contradiction that undermines your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tenuous" primarily functions as a determiner and adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a state of weakness, uncertainty, or fragility. Ludwig highlights its appropriate usage in describing relationships, connections, or positions that lack a strong foundation. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tenuous" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something weak, fragile, or uncertain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it fits seamlessly into various contexts, particularly within news, academic writing and encyclopedias. When employing "a tenuous", ensure clarity in your writing, highlighting the specific element lacking strength to avoid ambiguity. Be mindful of overstating the weakness when the subject is evidently robust. Alternatives like "a fragile", "a weak", or "an unstable" can be used depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fragile

Focuses more on the delicacy and potential for easy damage of something.

a weak

Emphasizes the lack of strength or power in a more general sense.

an unstable

Highlights the lack of firmness and the potential for collapse or change.

a shaky

Suggests a lack of stability and a tendency to tremble or falter.

a delicate

Implies a need for careful handling due to sensitivity or fragility.

a precarious

Highlights the riskiness and uncertainty of a situation or position.

a slim

Focuses on the smallness or thinness of something, such as a chance or margin.

a slight

Indicates a small degree or amount, often implying insignificance.

a remote

Emphasizes the distance or improbability of something happening.

an uncertain

Highlights the lack of definiteness or predictability.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tenuous" to describe something that is fragile, weak, or uncertain. For example, "The company's hold on the market is "a tenuous" one due to increasing competition."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a fragile", "a weak", or "an unstable".

Is it appropriate to use "a tenuous" in formal writing?

Yes, "a tenuous" is appropriate for formal writing. It's often used in academic and professional contexts to describe weak connections, arguments, or positions.

What's the difference between "a tenuous" and "a fragile"?

"A tenuous" suggests a lack of strength or a weak foundation, while "a fragile" emphasizes delicacy and vulnerability to damage. While similar, "tenuous" often implies a less visible or structural weakness.