are not convincing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not convincing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or skepticism about the persuasiveness or effectiveness of an argument, statement, or piece of evidence. Example: "The reasons provided for the decision are not convincing, and I believe further clarification is needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither of them seems convinced, and they are not convincing.

Vice

Hot opinions are not convincing without substance.

University of California, Berkeley

The pollution safeguards, however, are not convincing.

The Guardian

Aspects of the findings are not convincing to some archaeologists.

The New Yorker

The bases for his opinions are not convincing.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, Mr Fischer's own attempts at providing one are not convincing.

The Economist

But his solutions -- especially at the crucial point of the opening -- are not convincing.

The New York Times - Arts

Attempts have indeed been made to get around the natural implication of the evidence, but they are not convincing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Psychiatrists are notoriously unwilling to endorse the 12-step programmes, and argue that statistically the results are not convincing.

The Guardian

There were some indications that emotionality might have caused non-performing behaviour, but these indications are not convincing enough to exclude other causes.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

"Just say no" is not a sufficient stance for a chancellor.The government's arguments for the lone-parent cut are not convincing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not convincing" when you want to express that an argument, explanation, or evidence fails to persuade or convince the audience. Ensure your statement is followed by specific reasons why the subject lacks persuasiveness.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "are not convincing" without providing supporting details or reasons. Always explain why something lacks persuasiveness to strengthen your argument and provide context for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not convincing" functions as a predicate adjective, expressing a quality (lack of persuasiveness) of a subject. Ludwig examples show it in statements where arguments, data, or explanations fail to persuade.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not convincing" effectively conveys a lack of persuasiveness or credibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. It appears frequently across news, science, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific reasons why the subject lacks persuasiveness. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "lack credibility" or "are unpersuasive". However, "are not convincing" remains a versatile and acceptable option in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to persuade

This alternative uses a more direct and concise verb to convey the lack of persuasiveness.

lack credibility

This phrase focuses on the absence of believability rather than the failure to convince.

do not hold water

This idiom suggests that the argument or claim is flawed and cannot withstand scrutiny.

do not stand up to scrutiny

This phrase emphasizes the inability of something to be validated when examined closely.

are unpersuasive

A more formal and direct synonym, emphasizing the absence of persuasive qualities.

fall short of convincing

This phrase implies an attempt was made to convince, but it was unsuccessful.

leave doubts

This focuses on the uncertainty created rather than the failure to persuade.

raise skepticism

This alternative highlights the generation of doubt or disbelief.

seem implausible

Implies that something is unlikely or hard to believe.

are questionable

This phrase points to the validity or accuracy of something being in doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "are not convincing" in a sentence?

You can use "are not convincing" to express that an argument or piece of evidence fails to persuade. For example, "The justifications provided for the budget cuts are not convincing."

What are some alternatives to "are not convincing"?

Alternatives include "fail to persuade", "lack credibility", or "are unpersuasive", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are not convincing" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "are not convincing" when critiquing arguments, assessing evidence, or expressing skepticism about claims that lack sufficient support or logical reasoning. It's helpful in academic papers, news analysis, and debates.

Is "are not convincing" a formal or informal expression?

"Are not convincing" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "lack credibility" or "are unpersuasive" for a more sophisticated tone.