flimsy pretext

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flimsy pretext" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a weak or insubstantial reason or justification for an action or decision. Example: "The company's decision to cut costs was based on a flimsy pretext that the market was declining."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Perhaps Ms. Bennett was worried that no one would listen to the Archbishop of Canterbury's long speech, providing Henry with a flimsy pretext to go to war.

The New York Times

Even the flimsy pretext of concern for children rings resoundingly hollow: despite the odious insinuations of conservative groups, homosexuality itself is not psychologically unhealthy.

The Guardian

Instead, with computers as a flimsy pretext, many seemed to take pleasure in frightening themselves to death over a coming calamity.

The New York Times

Alvi A. Karimov, a spokesman for Kadyrov, said he believed the licensing issue was a flimsy pretext for scratching a horse who was simply too good.

The New York Times - Sports

By creating a patently flimsy pretext for a holiday hike, they said, they are also ensuring that the beach walk remains, in its own way, innocent.

The New York Times

Last week, Caitlin Halligan, another appeals court nominee, had to withdraw from consideration after Republicans filibustered her for the second time, on the flimsy pretext that she was a legal activist.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Americans are slow to believe in the importance of ideas — they seem like flimsy pretexts rather than root causes.

The New Yorker

Americans are slow to believe in the importance of ideas they seem like flimsy pretexts rather than root causes.

The New Yorker

Instead, they have resorted to flimsy pretexts and protectionist arguments to stifle liberties, which foreclose the possibility of placing discussions on gender on the agenda.

Independent

But good parties often take place on flimsy pretexts, and even the best parties sometimes have their stupefying stretches before finally taking off, and leaving you grateful the next morning.

The New Yorker

But many people have said they were stopped on flimsy pretexts, or in some cases arrested on peaceful marches that were blocked by heavily armored police officers who used pepper spray and flash bangs, a noise grenade that is usually not lethal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flimsy pretext", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the reason being described is not only weak but also potentially deceptive or misleading. This phrase implies a deliberate attempt to conceal the true motive.

Common error

Avoid using "flimsy pretext" when a simple misunderstanding or honest mistake is the cause. The phrase suggests a deliberate attempt to mislead, so it's inappropriate for unintentional errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flimsy pretext" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "flimsy" modifies the noun "pretext". The phrase typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing the nature of a reason or justification. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flimsy pretext" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that serves to describe a weak and unconvincing justification for an action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it carries a neutral register, implying criticism or dismissal of the reason provided. Related phrases include "weak excuse" and "poor justification", offering alternative ways to express a similar sentiment. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context accurately reflects a potentially deceptive motive behind the stated reason.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak excuse

Replaces "pretext" with a more informal term.

poor excuse

Similar to "weak excuse", but emphasizes the inadequacy of the justification.

thin excuse

Emphasizes the lack of substance or believability.

weak justification

More formal, focusing on the lack of valid grounds.

lame excuse

A more colloquial and dismissive way to describe a poor justification.

inadequate reason

Highlights the insufficient nature of the provided cause.

unconvincing argument

Focuses on the lack of persuasive power in a presented case.

feeble rationale

A more formal and critical assessment of the reasoning behind something.

hollow claim

Emphasizes the emptiness and lack of truth in a statement.

specious reasoning

Highlights the superficially plausible but ultimately flawed nature of the logic.

FAQs

How to use "flimsy pretext" in a sentence?

You can use "flimsy pretext" to describe a reason that is weak and unconvincing, often used to hide the real motive. For example, "The company's excuse for the layoff was a "flimsy pretext" to cut costs."

What can I say instead of "flimsy pretext"?

You can use alternatives like "weak excuse", "poor justification", or "thin excuse" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "flimsy pretext" or "flimsiest pretext"?

"Flimsy pretext" is used to describe a generally weak excuse. "Flimsiest pretext" is the superlative form, used when comparing multiple pretexts and indicating the absolute weakest. Both are grammatically correct, but their use depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "flimsy pretext" and "weak excuse"?

While both describe a poor justification, "flimsy pretext" often implies a deliberate attempt to deceive or hide the true reason, whereas "weak excuse" simply suggests a justification that is unconvincing or inadequate but not necessarily deceptive.