inadequate basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inadequate basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a foundation or reasoning that is insufficient or lacking in support for a particular argument or conclusion. Example: "The committee found that the proposal was built on an inadequate basis of evidence, leading to its rejection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I've consulted some people here, and they agree that, as a professional matter, a historic collegiate acquaintance is an inadequate basis for a personal reference.

The New Yorker

"The size of the study, its design and its findings provide an inadequate basis to recommend the use of intermittent, serial or scheduled repetitive infusions of Natrecor".

The New York Times

One study analyzed decimal trading in five stocks for five days, which is a woefully inadequate basis on which to create wholesale upheavals.

Forbes

This view challenges an assumption, common in the cognitive sciences, that a nonhuman primate model forms an inherently inadequate basis for modeling higher-level language functions.

Trends in Cognitive Sciences

There is surely room for improvement in the world of teacher preparation -- as there is in all professions -- but the NCTQ report provides an inadequate basis upon which to design and implement positive reforms.

Huffington Post

They also provide an inadequate basis for targeted interventions.

European Journal of Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Due to an inadequate mechanistic basis, mechanics-inspired models of da/dN do not predict multiple growth regimes that are typical of environment enhanced cracking.

International Journal of Fatigue

Wildman acknowledges that traditional theism does hold that God has a meaningful presence in the world but has an inadequate ontological basis for that presence.

SEP

In addition, the effect of pH on modelled N mineralisation and N transformation processes have an inadequate experimental basis (see Additional file 1 Eq. (34)) and MSW (see Additional file 1 Eq. (33)).

Ecological Processes

It added that the analysis by the commission is "vague, sweeping and inadequate as a basis for justifying regulation".

The Guardian - Business

"The Koran is inadequate as a basis for legislation," said Nilufer Narli, a professor of sociology at Bogazici University in Istanbul.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inadequate basis", ensure you specify what the basis is inadequate for. For example, "The data provided an inadequate basis for drawing definitive conclusions."

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic language when describing the inadequacy. Instead of saying "completely inadequate basis", consider using a more nuanced term like "partially inadequate basis" or "limited basis" to accurately reflect the degree of insufficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inadequate basis" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality of a foundation or reason, indicating that it is insufficient or deficient in some way. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is frequently used in contexts requiring careful evaluation and judgment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inadequate basis" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a lack of sufficient support or justification. Ludwig AI indicates its frequent usage across scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While "inadequate basis" is suitable for analytical writing, alternatives like "insufficient foundation", "weak rationale", and "poor justification" can provide more specific nuances. When using "inadequate basis", ensure to clearly specify the context of inadequacy for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient foundation

Focuses on the lack of a solid groundwork or support.

weak rationale

Emphasizes the poor reasoning or justification behind something.

poor justification

Highlights the lack of valid reasons or evidence.

flimsy grounds

Suggests that the reasons or evidence are weak and easily challenged.

tenuous support

Indicates that the backing or evidence is weak and uncertain.

unconvincing argument

Focuses on the lack of persuasiveness in the reasoning.

unreliable evidence

Emphasizes that the supporting information is not trustworthy.

faulty premise

Highlights a flaw or error in the underlying assumption.

groundless assumption

Indicates that the idea is based on nothing substantial.

unsubstantiated claim

Focuses on the lack of proof or validation for a statement.

FAQs

How can I use "inadequate basis" in a sentence?

You can use "inadequate basis" to describe a situation where the information, evidence, or reasoning is not sufficient to support a conclusion or decision. For example, "The research provided an inadequate basis for policy changes."

What are some alternatives to "inadequate basis"?

You can use alternatives like "insufficient foundation", "weak rationale", or "poor justification" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "inadequate basis" or "insufficient basis"?

"Inadequate basis" and "insufficient basis" are largely interchangeable. "Inadequate" emphasizes a lack of quality or suitability, while "insufficient" emphasizes a lack of quantity or amount. Choose the word that best fits the specific context.

What's the difference between "inadequate basis" and "flawed basis"?

"Inadequate basis" means there isn't enough support, while "flawed basis" means there's a mistake or error in the support. An inadequate basis might simply be incomplete, whereas a flawed basis is actively incorrect or misleading.