flimsy things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flimsy things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe items or concepts that are weak, insubstantial, or lacking in strength or durability. Example: "The box was filled with flimsy things that fell apart at the slightest touch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The bread rolls are cheap, flimsy things, but you get a generous mound of quite majestic meat.

The Guardian - Travel

Everyone knows that brands that are created to be sold and make quick fortunes are flimsy things.

The Guardian

Voilà: cylindrical cages 25 inches wide and three and a half feet high, heavy enough to stand on their own without staking — and far superior to those flimsy things sold at the garden center.

The New York Times

It's likely our inventions will be useless, flimsy things, quickly thrown in the bin like the cardboard and sellotape "inventions" I used to present to my mother every day after playgroup when I was four.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Truth is a flimsy thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

And: how the heck did he manage to feed this flimsy thing through his typewriter?

The New York Times

The modern tale is a flimsy thing compared to the beautifully performed period piece.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

One sarcastic critic jibed: "I had merely the impression of a painting," suggesting that it was a flimsy thing.

Independent

It was a flimsy thing, woven of unblessed palms, and much the worse for being crushed against her body for so long.

The New Yorker

I prayed that the flimsy thing would stay up in pounding winds and would somehow shield me from tank fire that popped out of the glittering sky.

The New York Times

It shows that we're just a flimsy thing to just throw around". .

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "flimsy things", consider whether a more specific adjective would provide a clearer image for the reader, such as "flimsy cardboard boxes" or "flimsy political arguments".

Common error

Avoid using "flimsy things" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone. For example, instead of saying "The evidence was flimsy", consider "The evidence was unsubstantiated" or "The evidence was inconclusive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flimsy things" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "flimsy" modifies the noun "things". This phrase describes items that are weak, poorly constructed, or lack durability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flimsy things" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe items that are weak or poorly constructed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While most common in news media, its usage should be carefully considered in more formal settings, where alternatives like ""fragile items"" or ""unstable constructions"" might be more appropriate. It's most effectively used to convey a sense of inadequacy or poor quality in a direct and relatable manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile items

Focuses on the delicacy and potential for breakage of the objects.

weak objects

Highlights the lack of physical strength or durability.

delicate objects

Highlights the need for careful handling due to their fragile nature.

flimsy materials

Highlights the low quality of the materials used to create the objects.

insubstantial items

Emphasizes the lack of material substance or importance.

rickety structures

Specifically describes unstable or poorly constructed objects.

poorly made items

Focuses on the low quality of construction or craftsmanship.

unstable constructions

Emphasizes the lack of stability and potential for collapse.

shoddy goods

Focuses on the poor quality and inferior workmanship of the items.

temporary fixes

Describes solutions that are not reliable or long-lasting.

FAQs

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

You can use "flimsy things" to describe objects that are weak, poorly constructed, or lack durability. For example, "The market stall was constructed of "flimsy things" and looked as if it might collapse at any moment."

What are some synonyms for "flimsy things"?

Some synonyms for "flimsy things" include "fragile items", "weak objects", or "insubstantial items". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

While grammatically correct, "flimsy things" might be considered too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives such as "poorly made items" or "unstable constructions" instead.

What's the difference between "flimsy things" and "fragile things"?

"Flimsy things" suggests a lack of structural integrity or poor construction, while "fragile things" indicates a susceptibility to breaking or damage. "Flimsy" focuses on the quality of the construction, while "fragile" focuses on the object's inherent vulnerability.