is not solid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not solid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks firmness, stability, or reliability in various contexts, such as physical objects or abstract concepts. Example: "The foundation of the building is not solid, which raises concerns about its safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

But you know the enemy, and the enemy is not solid or stable.

The New Yorker

When you start singing you are fresh you are young, but your technique is not solid.

The Guardian - Music

The Earth is not solid; it's a fiery ball of magma.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not solid but liquid: sidelong and expansive, lushly observant, fertile, fanciful, capable of continual witty anamorphosis.

The New York Times - Books

Rock, in this wind-blown terrain, is not solid at all, it is worn down to scree; marbled bath-salt slopes that cloud shadow glides across.

The Guardian - Travel

He too can form alliances, and there will still be more than 30 congressmen outside the Alliance camp.The Alliance itself is not solid.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

But this isn't solid working?

The Guardian

"Then the batting isn't solid enough.

BBC

It looks heavy, but the inside of the tabletop isn't solid; it's honeycombed.

The New York Times

But other economists argue, in effect, that absence of evidence isn't solid evidence of absence.

The New York Times

Still, Obama's position isn't solid enough for him to beat just anybody.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "is not solid" to convey a lack of dependability or factual support. For example: "The evidence for this claim is not solid."

Common error

Avoid using "is not solid" too frequently in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "unsubstantiated", "tenuous", or "lacks empirical support" to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not solid" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state or quality of a subject. It indicates a lack of firmness, stability, or reliability. Ludwig provides examples where it modifies physical objects (e.g., "the wall is not solid") and abstract concepts (e.g., "the evidence is not solid").

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

37%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not solid" is a versatile expression used to describe a lack of firmness, stability, or reliability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain academic or professional settings. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its frequent use in News & Media and Science, highlighting its relevance in both factual reporting and scientific discourse. While effective, overuse can be avoided by employing synonyms such as "is unstable", "is not firm", or "is unreliable" to enhance writing precision and sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unstable

Focuses on the lack of stability rather than solidity.

is not firm

Emphasizes the lack of physical or metaphorical firmness.

is not stable

Highlights the lack of stability, implying a tendency to change or collapse.

is weak

Indicates a lack of strength or robustness.

is unreliable

Focuses on the lack of dependability or trustworthiness.

is flimsy

Suggests a lack of durability or substance.

is shaky

Implies uncertainty and a lack of secure foundation.

lacks integrity

Highlights the absence of structural or moral soundness.

is questionable

Focuses on doubts about the validity or reliability.

is doubtful

Expresses uncertainty about the truth or reliability.

FAQs

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

You can use "is not solid" to describe something lacking firmness, stability, or reliability. For instance, "The foundation of their argument "is not solid", making it easily challenged".

What are some alternatives to saying "is not solid"?

Consider using phrases like "is unstable", "is not firm", or "is unreliable", depending on the context.

Is "is not solid" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is not solid" might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Opt for more precise alternatives like "lacks substantiation" or "is tenuous".

What's the difference between "is not solid" and "is unstable"?

"Is not solid" generally implies a lack of physical or metaphorical firmness, while "is unstable" focuses on the potential for change or collapse. The best choice depends on the specific context you are describing.