insufficient argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insufficient argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a reasoning or rationale is deemed inadequate or lacking in support. Example: "The proposal was rejected due to an insufficient argument for its feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

An inability to find derived characters shared with any crown group deuterostome is insufficient argument to place them as stem group deuterostomes - it is even possible that they could be an early, extinct side-branch of one of the major deuterostome phyla.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Training broadly educated citizens is a noble undertaking but an insufficient recessionary argument.

Huffington Post

Gas is a nice metaphor, but the metaphor is insufficient as an argument to support non-zero $ETH prices.

TechCrunch

Is a moral argument insufficient?

Huffington Post

We find these eight arguments insufficient to demonstrate that Nebraska's law needs no health exception.

The New York Times

Dr. Singer and Mr. Mason dismiss the cost argument as insufficient to justify what they regard as chronic cruelty, much of it inflicted on highly intelligent creatures.

The New York Times - Health

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton may have thought this was an argument of insufficient warmth or weight at a time when Iranian demonstrators were being murdered.

The New York Times

The higher education bill sets out the government's argument that insufficient competition and lack of informed choice are the primary weaknesses of the higher education system in England, and that opening up the market to new providers will drive improvements in quality.

The Guardian

Traditional appeals to empirical results and logical argument are insufficient to resolve the debate.

SEP

His positive defense begins by asserting that blacks "are men," an obvious claim that is certainly necessary yet insufficient to ground the argument.

SEP

To me, that argument is insufficient, Career, personal freedom and finances are some of the top reasons many women choose not to have children.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "insufficient argument", ensure you clearly articulate why the argument is lacking. Provide specific examples of the gaps in logic or evidence.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that an argument is "insufficient" without providing context. Explain the specific weaknesses or missing elements, rather than making a blanket statement. For example, instead of saying "The argument is insufficient", say "The argument lacks empirical evidence and relies solely on anecdotal claims."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insufficient argument" functions as a descriptive term, characterizing a rationale or line of reasoning as inadequate or unconvincing. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Unknown/unmatched sources

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insufficient argument" is a phrase used to describe a rationale that lacks persuasiveness or adequate support. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It appears commonly in scientific and news-related sources. When using the phrase, be specific about why the argument is lacking rather than making a general statement. Related phrases include "weak argument" and "unconvincing rationale". Remember to provide context and articulate the specific weaknesses when using "insufficient argument" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak argument

Replaces "insufficient" with "weak", indicating a lack of strength or persuasiveness in the argument.

unconvincing rationale

Substitutes both words to emphasize the lack of persuasive power of the reasoning.

flawed reasoning

Focuses on the presence of errors or defects in the line of reasoning.

inadequate justification

Replaces "argument" with "justification", highlighting the lack of sufficient support for a claim or action.

poorly supported claim

Shifts the focus to the claim being made and its lack of adequate evidence.

tenuous case

Highlights the fragility and lack of substance of the presented case.

specious reasoning

Suggests that the reasoning appears correct but is actually fallacious.

unsound premise

Emphasizes that the underlying assumptions of the argument are invalid.

untenable position

Focuses on the inability to defend the argument or stance taken.

groundless assertion

Highlights the lack of any factual or logical basis for the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "insufficient argument" in a sentence?

You can use "insufficient argument" to describe a situation where the reasoning provided is not strong enough to support a claim. For example: "The proposal was rejected because it presented an insufficient argument for its potential profitability".

What are some alternatives to saying "insufficient argument"?

You can use alternatives like "weak argument", "unconvincing rationale", or "flawed reasoning" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "insufficient evidence" or "insufficient argument"?

The choice depends on what is lacking. "Insufficient evidence" implies a lack of supporting data, while "insufficient argument" suggests a flaw in the reasoning or logic, even if some evidence exists. If you mean to say that there is a lack of data to support an argument, saying "insufficient evidence" is likely more applicable in that context.

What does it mean when someone says an argument is "insufficient"?

When someone says an argument is "insufficient", they mean that it doesn't provide enough logical reasoning or supporting evidence to be convincing or persuasive. It suggests that the argument is incomplete, flawed, or lacking in some critical aspect.