flimsy evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"flimsy evidence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe evidence that is weak or not strong enough to support an argument. For example: "The prosecutor had very little evidence against the defendant, so the jury disregarded the flimsy evidence and acquitted him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Flimsy evidence pointed to Mrs. McPhee's smallest child.

The New Yorker

They pursued the case despite the flimsy evidence against Stagg.

The Guardian

And it was pushed by the authorities, on flimsy evidence.

The Guardian - Music

Imagine if we tested for drug side-effects using such flimsy evidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that doesn't mean prosecutors should bring cases based largely on inference and flimsy evidence.

The New York Times

"We, in the scientific community, often give strong advice based on flimsy evidence," he said.

The New York Times

On the basis of such flimsy "evidence" the stripping of citizenship takes place immediately.

The Guardian

But these are, I suppose, small-scale, anecdotal slivers of rather flimsy evidence.

The Guardian

The claim, which is based on flimsy evidence, takes one more step toward annealed, common wisdom.

The Washington Post

How could the case have been mounted on such flimsy evidence?

The Economist

Even so white, usually male, judges regularly condemned blacks to death, often on flimsy evidence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flimsy evidence" when you want to express that the supporting information is weak and unreliable, suggesting a lack of solid proof for a claim.

Common error

Avoid using "flimsy evidence" when the evidence is simply incomplete or circumstantial, rather than inherently weak or untrustworthy. "Flimsy" implies a critical flaw in the evidence itself.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flimsy evidence" is that of a noun phrase, where "flimsy" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "evidence". Ludwig AI confirms its usage is correct and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flimsy evidence" is a commonly used phrase that effectively describes weak or unreliable proof. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability across various contexts. Primarily found in news and academic writing, it serves to cast doubt on the validity of claims. When employing this phrase, ensure the evidence genuinely lacks substance rather than being simply circumstantial or incomplete.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak proof

Replaces "evidence" with a synonym and "flimsy" with a similar adjective.

insubstantial proof

"Insubstantial" is used instead of "flimsy" to convey a lack of solid basis.

tenuous evidence

"Tenuous" emphasizes the weak and easily refuted nature of the evidence.

shaky evidence

"Shaky" suggests that the evidence is unreliable and questionable.

dubious evidence

"Dubious" highlights the uncertainty and doubt surrounding the evidence.

unconvincing evidence

"Unconvincing" focuses on the evidence's failure to persuade or convince.

threadbare evidence

"Threadbare" evokes the image of evidence that is worn out and lacking substance.

superficial evidence

"Superficial" indicates a lack of depth and thoroughness in the evidence.

exiguous evidence

"Exiguous" is a more formal term for extremely scanty or meager evidence.

scant evidence

"Scant" emphasizes the minimal quantity of evidence available.

FAQs

How can I use "flimsy evidence" in a sentence?

You can use "flimsy evidence" to describe a situation where the presented proof is weak and unconvincing, such as: "The case was dismissed due to the "flimsy evidence" presented by the prosecution."

What are some synonyms for "flimsy evidence"?

Alternatives to "flimsy evidence" include "weak evidence", "tenuous evidence", or "insubstantial proof", all conveying the idea of inadequate or unreliable support.

Is it appropriate to use "flimsy evidence" in formal writing?

Yes, "flimsy evidence" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in legal, academic, and journalistic contexts where the strength and reliability of evidence are crucial.

What's the difference between "circumstantial evidence" and "flimsy evidence"?

"Circumstantial evidence" relies on indirect inference, while "flimsy evidence" refers to the poor quality or weakness of the evidence itself. Circumstantial evidence may be strong, while "flimsy evidence" is inherently unreliable.