evident shortcomings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "evident shortcomings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe clear or obvious deficiencies or flaws in something, such as a plan, product, or argument. Example: "The report highlighted the evident shortcomings in the current policy, prompting a need for revision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Our national faith in the value of democracy is not wrong, whatever the world's skepticism and our evident shortcomings in implementing it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Richard M. Nixon's foreign-policy achievements, most significantly his rapprochement with Beijing, were eclipsed in his final years in office by domestic-policy failings and his evident shortcomings as a moral leader.

The New York Times

As with criminal cases and schools, so with the NHS – the public service gets the stick for evident shortcomings based on excessive demands by customers, patients, parents, criminals etc.

The Guardian

If Bernard Tomic and Nick Kyrgios Daviss Cup exploits have demonstrated the evident shortcomings of modern sporting individuals being thrust into a team environment, then the spirit of camaraderie and sacrifice shown by the Matildas should be the example sports-loving children across the nation aspire towards.

The Guardian - Sport

There are several evident shortcomings regardless of the type of vaccination, such as weak antigenicity and short persistence time.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The Etruscan impact on Rome is evident, but shortcomings in discovering epigraphic records of Etruscan city sites (as opposed to necropolises) and in understanding the Etruscan language, limit the historical data derivable from Etruscology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such progress in the evolution of Equatorial Guinea was evident, regardless of shortcomings in the democratisation of the state.

The Guardian

However, in Giardia, proteomics remains an emerging field, with considerable shortcomings evident from the published research.

Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology

Another shortcoming evident is that too many associations are generated from such kind of data.

Proceedings 2004 VLDB Conference

Both benefits and shortcomings were evident in the concert, presented in observance of what would have been Mrs. Hutchins's 99th birthday.

The New York Times - Arts

Bolton hurried and scurried in search of equality, but nobody in their starting lineup had scored more than three goals in the Premier League all season, and their shortcomings were evident whenever they came within striking range.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "evident shortcomings", be specific about the shortcomings you are referring to, to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "the plan has evident shortcomings", specify "the plan has evident shortcomings in its budget allocation and risk assessment".

Common error

Avoid using "evident shortcomings" when the shortcomings are already heavily implied by the context. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound redundant and less impactful. Let the context do some of the work for you.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evident shortcomings" functions as a noun phrase, where "evident" is an adjective modifying the noun "shortcomings". It describes deficiencies or flaws that are easily noticeable. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "evident shortcomings" is a grammatically sound and professionally acceptable term for describing easily noticeable flaws or deficiencies. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase effectively communicates clear weaknesses in various contexts, as evidenced by examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While it is more common in news, scientific, and encyclopedia content, consider alternatives like "obvious deficiencies" or "clear flaws" to tailor your writing style. Ensure specificity and avoid redundancy for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious deficiencies

Replaces "shortcomings" with "deficiencies" and "evident" with "obvious", maintaining a similar level of formality but emphasizing a lack or absence.

clear flaws

Substitutes "shortcomings" with "flaws" and "evident" with "clear", offering a more straightforward and less formal alternative.

apparent weaknesses

Uses "weaknesses" instead of "shortcomings" and "apparent" instead of "evident", highlighting areas of vulnerability or lack of strength.

noticeable limitations

Replaces "shortcomings" with "limitations" and "evident" with "noticeable", focusing on restrictions or constraints that are easily observed.

patent defects

Employs "defects" in place of "shortcomings" and "patent" in place of "evident", suggesting readily visible imperfections or faults.

visible imperfections

Replaces "shortcomings" with "imperfections" and "evident" with "visible", indicating flaws that can be seen or detected.

manifest failings

Substitutes "shortcomings" with "failings" and "evident" with "manifest", conveying a sense of obvious and undeniable deficiencies.

unmistakable drawbacks

Uses "drawbacks" instead of "shortcomings" and "unmistakable" instead of "evident", suggesting disadvantages that are difficult to ignore.

conspicuous inadequacies

Replaces "shortcomings" with "inadequacies" and "evident" with "conspicuous", emphasizing a lack of sufficiency or suitability that stands out.

palpable vulnerabilities

Substitutes "shortcomings" with "vulnerabilities" and "evident" with "palpable", indicating weaknesses that are easily perceived or felt.

FAQs

How can I use "evident shortcomings" in a sentence?

You can use "evident shortcomings" to point out flaws or deficiencies that are easily noticeable. For example, "The project proposal was rejected due to its "evident shortcomings" in financial planning." or "Despite the team's efforts, the software's "evident shortcomings" led to its failure".

What are some alternatives to "evident shortcomings"?

Alternatives include phrases like "obvious deficiencies", "clear flaws", or "apparent weaknesses". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "evident shortcomings" or "obvious shortcomings"?

Both "evident shortcomings" and "obvious shortcomings" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Evident" suggests something easily perceived or understood, while "obvious" suggests something easily discovered or understood. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context, for example you can consider to use "apparent weaknesses".

What is the difference between "shortcomings" and "limitations"?

"Shortcomings" generally refer to deficiencies or faults, whereas "limitations" refer to restrictions or constraints. "Shortcomings" implies a lack of something desirable, while "limitations" implies a boundary or restriction on what can be achieved. For example "noticeable limitations" may be a better alternative for "evident shortcomings".