are not solid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not solid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks firmness, stability, or reliability. Example: "The foundations of the building are not solid, which raises concerns about its safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Clik disks are not solid state and introduce moving parts into the players.

The New York Times - Tech

"They were just phone calls," Pasillico added, "and phone calls are not solid evidence".

The Guardian - Business

Until now, there have been no verdicts, which mean the cases are not solid enough," the minister argued.

The Economist

If the Knicks are not solid against them, their opening-night debacle may not have been the aberration they would like to believe it was.

The New York Times - Sports

This year, they listened to an hourlong presentation from the meteorologist Craig Edwards, a game-day adviser for the Minnesota Twins, who urged his audience to remember that "storms are not solid state".

The New York Times - Sports

For my money, Clue of the Day goes to "Its arms are not solid," a mind-bender from the first visual of nonsolid limbs, right through to the realization that we've been misdirected and that Mr. Croce is talking about the SEA.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

That's not to imply that there aren't solid business reasons for paying workers more.

The New Yorker

"Despite the mythology of Egyptology, that it is all about traps and hidden doors – why would anyone think that what look like solid walls aren't solid walls?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Clinton acknowledged, however, that there really aren't solid means to challenge the results. .

Huffington Post

But Republican senators were not solid either.

The New York Times

The Earth is not solid; it's a fiery ball of magma.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not solid", ensure the context clearly defines what aspect lacks solidity, whether it's physical structure, evidence, or an abstract concept.

Common error

Avoid using "are not solid" without specifying why something lacks solidity. For example, instead of saying "The plans are not solid", clarify with "The plans are not solid because funding is uncertain."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not solid" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, indicating a lack of firmness, stability, or reliability. Ludwig AI examples confirm its use in describing physical objects, evidence, or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not solid" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a lack of firmness, stability, or reliability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki. While it maintains a neutral register, it is crucial to specify what exactly lacks solidity to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "are unstable" or "lack solidity" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, writers can effectively use "are not solid" to express doubt, uncertainty, or concern in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack solidity

This alternative replaces the verb "are" with "lack" and the adjective "solid" with the noun "solidity".

are not firm

This substitutes "solid" with "firm", emphasizing a lack of stability or resolve.

are unstable

This replaces "not solid" with "unstable", highlighting a lack of stability.

are not stable

This uses "stable" instead of "solid", focusing on the absence of steadiness or security.

are without substance

This alternative uses a more formal tone, indicating a lack of real content or importance.

do not hold up

This implies that something cannot withstand scrutiny or pressure.

are questionable

This alternative suggests that something is doubtful or uncertain.

are dubious

Similar to "are questionable", but with a slightly stronger connotation of doubt or suspicion.

are flimsy

This suggests that something is weak or poorly made.

are weak

This is a more general term for lacking strength or effectiveness.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are not solid" can be used to describe something that lacks firmness, stability, or reliability. For example, "The foundations of the building "are not solid", raising concerns about its safety".

What are some alternatives to "are not solid"?

You can use alternatives such as "are unstable", "lack solidity", or "are not firm" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate, "are not solid" or "aren't solid"?

"Are not solid" and "aren't solid" are both grammatically correct; "aren't solid" is a contraction and is more informal. Use "are not solid" in formal writing and "aren't solid" in informal contexts.

What does it mean when something "is not solid"?

When something "is not solid", it means it lacks physical firmness, stability, or can also mean that something is unreliable or lacks a strong foundation, such as a plan or an argument. The expression's meaning is quite versatile.