found to be flawed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "found to be flawed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the results of an evaluation or analysis that reveals defects or shortcomings in something. Example: "The study was found to be flawed due to its small sample size and lack of control variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The commercial data exchange, known as "Safe Harbor", was found to be flawed.

The Guardian

The police investigation was found to be flawed and tainted by racism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Later, that method was found to be flawed and the board returned to disqualifying votes not punched through.

The New York Times

But this was not the total, as other inspections have been found to be flawed before publication, based on Ofsted's internal monitoring.

The Guardian

The test was put on the market in 2008, but it was quickly found to be flawed and withdrawn four months later.

The New York Times

That those alternatives are being found to be flawed and lacking in the same accountability so vehemently demanded of public schools means little.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It doesn't matter if his proposal is less than perfect, or can't be realized within 10 years, or even it if is found to be deeply flawed.

The New York Times

Assuming the players can persuade a judge to let their case go forward, they will most likely argue that the N.F.L. rejected widely accepted science on head trauma for years, and that the league's doctors produced research that later was found to be severely flawed.

The New York Times - Sports

Though he sparked the anti-vaccination movement, the paper was found to be grossly flawed, was retracted, and suspicions surrounding the doctor's motivations led to his license being revoked.

Los Angeles Times

Numerous published studies have later been found to be deeply flawed through further scientific investigation, as may well be the study by Séralini et al. To our knowledge, there is no precedent for "inconclusive data" being a reason for retraction for Elsevier or other publishers, or elsewhere in the scientific literature.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Then, the OAS report was found to be so deeply flawed as to be worthless in determining which candidates should proceed to a second round.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "found to be flawed", ensure the context clearly explains what was evaluated and the nature of the flaws discovered. For example, specify if a study, a design, or a system was examined.

Common error

Avoid using "found to be flawed" without specifying the area of weakness. Being specific about the flaw enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found to be flawed" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used as a predicate adjective following a linking verb. It describes a noun, indicating that it possesses shortcomings or imperfections. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "found to be flawed" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something has been discovered to have faults or weaknesses. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and usable in written English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for a variety of contexts, especially in news, science, and academic writing. Related phrases such as "determined to be defective" and "identified as problematic" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, ensure you clearly specify what was evaluated and the nature of the flaws to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determined to be defective

Focuses on the presence of defects, implying a more technical or formal evaluation.

identified as problematic

Highlights the existence of problems without necessarily specifying the nature of the flaws.

proven to be deficient

Emphasizes a lack of necessary qualities or elements, suggesting a more formal or scientific context.

shown to be inadequate

Indicates that something does not meet the required standards or expectations.

revealed to be imperfect

Highlights the presence of imperfections, often in a more general or philosophical sense.

discovered to be unsound

Suggests a lack of solid foundation or reliability, often used in the context of arguments or theories.

judged to be erroneous

Implies that something contains errors or is based on incorrect information, often in a formal setting.

ascertained to be incorrect

Emphasizes the process of finding something to be wrong or inaccurate through investigation.

turned out to be fallible

Highlights the inherent capacity for error or failure.

deemed to be substandard

Indicates that something fails to meet the expected or required level of quality.

FAQs

How can I use "found to be flawed" in a sentence?

You can use "found to be flawed" to describe something that has been evaluated and discovered to have faults. For example, "The research methodology was "found to be flawed" due to biases in the data collection process".

What are some alternatives to "found to be flawed"?

Some alternatives include "determined to be defective", "identified as problematic", or "proven to be deficient", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "found to be flawed" or "determined to have flaws"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "found to be flawed" implies a discovery, whereas "determined to have flaws" suggests a more deliberate investigation. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is "found to be flawed"?

When something is "found to be flawed", it means that upon examination or evaluation, it has been discovered to have weaknesses, defects, or shortcomings. This can apply to various things, such as plans, designs, studies, or arguments.