baseless assertion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "baseless assertion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a claim or statement that lacks evidence or support. Example: "The politician's claim about the economy was nothing more than a baseless assertion, with no data to back it up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The SNP's assertion that we would be granted automatic entry has proven to be, like so many of their arguments, a baseless assertion".

The Guardian

But the striking thing about all this is that when Cheney made his false claim, John McCain had already made the same baseless assertion in an interview on ABC News Nightline conducted on November 28 , 2001

Huffington Post

However, the right-wing media's baseless assertion ignores the obvious fact that the health care industry in this country -- doctors, hospitals, emergency rooms, mental health centers -remains inundated with gunshot wounds daily and deals with the life-changing crisis all the time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The administration's lack of self-­control led the president to repeatedly make baseless assertions to the American people.

The New York Times - Books

And it's justified by baseless assertions that it's what people really want, if only they realised it".

The Guardian - Music

Philosophy, said Mr. Blackburn, should help to inoculate people against false appeals and baseless assertions -- just the sort of thing that passes for debate in America's polarized culture.

The New York Times

Olam's chief executive, Sunny Verghese, hosted a conference call with investors and the news media, saying the company was one of the most-shorted stocks in Singapore and accusing Muddy Waters of "spreading these baseless assertions and trying to spook the market so that they can profit from their short position".

The New York Times

On Tuesday the Pakistani government released a statement saying that it rejected the "baseless assertions" made in the Wall Street Journal article and that "it fully supports an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned process for peace and reconciliation," as well as "the key role of the United States in promoting stability, peace and harmony in Afghanistan".

The New York Times

"The irony that Barack Obama and his allies would attack John McCain for rooting out corruption in Washington and fighting special interests like Jack Abramoff with these baseless assertions speaks to the real level of commitment that Barack Obama has for making any change in Washington," Mr. Bounds said.

The New York Times

"Baseless assertions to the contrary about various vaccines have for years been piling needless guilt upon the parents of children with autism and other disorders, and driving other parents away from vaccinating their children against diseases that could do them great harm.

The Guardian

"The notion that the operation that killed Osama Bin Laden was anything but a unilateral US mission is patently false," said White House spokesperson Ned Price, adding that the piece was riddled with "inaccuracies and baseless assertions".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "baseless assertion", ensure you can articulate why the assertion lacks a solid foundation. Providing context or evidence to counter the assertion will strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "baseless assertion" to describe multiple claims in close proximity. Vary your language with alternatives like "unfounded claim" or "unsubstantiated statement" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "baseless assertion" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object or subject of a sentence. It describes a statement presented as fact but lacking any supporting evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "baseless assertion" effectively labels a claim that lacks evidence, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. When employing this phrase, remember to offer counter-evidence to strengthen your argument. Alternatives like "unfounded claim" or "unsupported statement" can help to vary your language and avoid repetition. While forceful, it is critical to maintain a neutral tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unfounded claim

Replaces "assertion" with "claim", slightly less formal.

Groundless allegation

Substitutes both words for a slightly more accusatory tone.

Unsupported statement

A more neutral and factual alternative.

Evidence-free declaration

Emphasizes the absence of evidence.

Unsubstantiated claim

Highlights that the claim has not been proven.

Factually bankrupt assertion

Strongly emphasizes the lack of factual basis.

Hollow declaration

Implies the statement is empty or meaningless.

Empty claim

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the idea.

Spurious assertion

Suggests the assertion is false or illegitimate.

Unverified statement

Focuses on the lack of verification or confirmation.

FAQs

How can I use "baseless assertion" in a sentence?

You can use "baseless assertion" to describe a claim that lacks evidence. For example, "The politician's statement was a "baseless assertion", with no supporting data."

What are some alternatives to "baseless assertion"?

Alternatives include "unfounded claim", "groundless allegation", or "unsupported statement", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "baseless assertion"?

While "assertion" inherently implies a claim, using "baseless" emphasizes the complete lack of evidence, making it a stronger critique. It clarifies that the assertion isn't just questionable, it's entirely without foundation.

What's the difference between a "baseless assertion" and a "false statement"?

A "baseless assertion" is a claim lacking evidence, while a "false statement" is a claim proven to be untrue. The former is about a lack of support; the latter is about demonstrable falsehood.