is not persuasive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not persuasive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when evaluating the effectiveness of an argument, statement, or piece of writing in terms of its ability to convince or influence others. Example: "The author's reasoning is flawed, and ultimately, the conclusion is not persuasive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is not persuasive.

The Guardian - Business

The argument is not persuasive.

The Washington Post

Alas, it is not persuasive.

The New York Times - Books

On that point he is not persuasive.

The New York Times

Sorry, but experience is not persuasive in this election cycle.

The Washington Post

But the figure to which she refers (see Page 10) is not persuasive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But the process isn't persuasive.

The New Yorker

This isn't persuasive; it's mind-numbing.

The New York Times

The narrative of "it was all cultural anxiety" isn't persuasive.

The New York Times

If Moyn's argument isn't persuasive, it is in large part because an alternative history to his own is far too easy to construct.

The New York Times - Books

In case all this isn't persuasive, here is a fifth, slightly less scientific reason to doubt Cambridge Analytica's success.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not persuasive", ensure the context clearly identifies what is lacking persuasive power, such as an argument, explanation, or justification. Be specific about why it lacks persuasiveness.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is not persuasive" without providing any supporting reasons or analysis. Explain why it fails to convince to strengthen your critique.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "is not persuasive" is that of a predicate adjective. It modifies a subject by describing its quality of lacking the ability to convince. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not persuasive" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a lack of convincing power. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific discourse. While the phrase is versatile, it is best practice to provide supporting reasons when using it to strengthen your critique. Alternatives such as "lacks convincing power" or "is unconvincing" can be used for variety, but the core meaning remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unconvincing

A more concise way of saying something lacks the ability to convince.

does not convince

A straightforward declaration of failure to convince.

lacks convincing power

Emphasizes the absence of the ability to convince.

fails to persuade

Directly states the inability to convince someone.

is not compelling

Highlights the lack of forcefulness or urgency in convincing.

is not credible

Emphasizes a lack of believability or trustworthiness.

is a weak argument

Focuses on the argument itself being deficient.

does not hold water

An idiomatic expression indicating a lack of soundness or validity.

is questionable

Indicates that something is subject to scrutiny or skepticism.

is open to doubt

Suggests uncertainty and a lack of conclusive evidence.

FAQs

What does "is not persuasive" mean?

The phrase "is not persuasive" means that something, such as an argument, explanation, or statement, lacks the ability to convince or influence someone. It suggests that the reasoning or evidence presented is weak or unconvincing.

How can I use "is not persuasive" in a sentence?

You can use "is not persuasive" to express your disagreement or skepticism regarding a particular point. For example, "The author's reasoning is flawed, and ultimately, the conclusion is not persuasive."

What can I say instead of "is not persuasive"?

You can use alternatives like "lacks convincing power", "fails to persuade", or "is unconvincing" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is not persuasive" or "is unconvincing"?

Both "is not persuasive" and "is unconvincing" are valid, but "is unconvincing" ("is unconvincing") is often considered more concise. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired tone of the writing.