is not tenable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not tenable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular argument, position, or situation is not sustainable or defensible. Example: "The theory proposed by the researcher is not tenable given the new evidence that has emerged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His position is not tenable.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Of course this is not tenable".

The New York Times

It points out that the status quo is not tenable: change has to come.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is not tenable, when we are all being asked to be complicit in a death.

The New Yorker

But she said: "If that is not tenable, my primary role is at the BBC".

The Guardian

Shadow culture, media and sport secretary Ivan Lewis said: "Mr Blatter's position is not tenable.

Independent

That position is not tenable now, with Taiwan a democracy and Communism gone from Europe.

The New York Times

This was a time-warped view of war law in 1996 that is not tenable today.

The Guardian - Opinion

He acknowledged that the recent uncertainty is "not tenable long term".

The New York Times

As O'Toole makes clear, in an age of inequality and financial uncertainty, this approach is not tenable.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The devolution strategy within the Department of Health means it is not tenable to do a centrally driven procurement," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not tenable" to describe situations, arguments, or positions that cannot be defended or maintained due to logical, ethical, or practical reasons. Ensure that the context clearly explains why the subject is unsustainable.

Common error

While "is not tenable" is correct, its formal tone may be inappropriate in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "won't work" or "can't hold up" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not tenable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's state or condition as unsustainable or indefensible. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it conveys that a particular position, argument, or situation cannot be maintained.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not tenable" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that cannot be defended or maintained, often due to logical, ethical, or practical flaws. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a formal register. When writing, consider the audience and context to ensure the tone is appropriate; in more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be preferable. Remember to clearly articulate the reasons why something "is not tenable" to enhance the persuasiveness of your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unsustainable

Focuses on the inability to maintain something over a longer period.

is indefensible

Highlights the lack of justification or support for something.

is not viable

Emphasizes the impracticality or impossibility of something succeeding.

is not justifiable

Focuses on the lack of moral or ethical basis.

is not supportable

Stresses the absence of evidence or resources to uphold something.

cannot be maintained

Directly states the inability to continue something.

is not defensible

Focuses on the inability to protect something from criticism.

is not workable

Highlights the impracticality of a plan or system.

is not reasonable

Emphasizes the lack of logical basis.

is not feasible

Focuses on the impossibility to be done or achieved.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is not tenable" is used to describe a situation or position that cannot be defended or maintained. For example, "His position on the matter "is not tenable" given the overwhelming evidence to the contrary".

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

You can use alternatives like "is unsustainable", "is indefensible", or "is not viable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is not tenable" or "is untenable"?

"Is not tenable" and "is untenable" are both grammatically valid, though "is not tenable" is more common and might be preferred for clarity, especially when addressing a non-expert audience.

What's the difference between "is not tenable" and "is not sustainable"?

While both phrases indicate something cannot continue, ""is not tenable"" often implies a lack of logical or ethical justification, while "is not sustainable" focuses on the inability to maintain something over time due to resource limitations or other factors.