is somewhat tenuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is somewhat tenuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, argument, or connection that is weak or not firmly established. Example: "The evidence presented in the report is somewhat tenuous, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The Basque connection is somewhat tenuous.

The New York Times - Food

Mallarmé's place in the English-speaking world is somewhat tenuous.

The New Yorker

One theory is that Boehner, his hold on his caucus is somewhat tenuous.

The New Yorker

To the Editor: Carolyn Chen makes a compelling case that admissions quotas at elite colleges for Asians are wrong, although her evidence that they actually exist is somewhat tenuous.

The New York Times

Values held by children aged 9 15 years living close to forests in New Zealand are broadly aligned with most of the MP Criteria, although connection with Nos. 5 and 7 is somewhat tenuous.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Reinterpretation of the putative tendinous bars in Kiisortoqia soperi as ventral cuticle [ 107] is somewhat tenuous.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The position of the Jewish musician was somewhat tenuous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From the beginning, Jackson's economic campaign has been somewhat tenuous morally, mainly because his dealings with business look so much like shakedowns.

The New Yorker

The Giants' existence in San Francisco has been somewhat tenuous over the years, partly because of the cold temperatures, high winds and fog at the team's Candlestick Park on San Francisco Bay from 1960 until 2000.

The New York Times

The most interesting scenario, however, is the case where the unpledged delegates would be sufficient to give a candidate a majority, but his claim to the nomination was somewhat tenuous.

The New York Times

Ferdinand's claim to continue ruling Castile as regent was somewhat tenuous after Isabella's death, but no plausible alternatives existed as the sovereign, their widowed daughter Joanna, was mentally unfit to reign on her own.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is somewhat tenuous", consider the audience and context. While grammatically correct, it can sound formal. In casual settings, simpler alternatives like "is a bit weak" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "is somewhat tenuous" in very informal writing or conversation. Its formality can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for more straightforward language to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is somewhat tenuous" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its quality or state. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that something lacks strength, is uncertain, or isn't firmly established, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is somewhat tenuous" is a grammatically sound phrase that expresses a degree of uncertainty or weakness. Ludwig AI indicates that it functions as an adjective phrase, often used to qualify claims or connections in a neutral to formal register. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it's particularly fitting when nuance and precision are required, especially in professional, academic, or news-related contexts. When determining if this is the right phrase, remember that more direct phrases may be better suited in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is rather weak

Replaces "somewhat tenuous" with a simpler expression of weakness.

is fairly fragile

Substitutes "tenuous" with "fragile", highlighting the delicate nature of the subject.

is slightly shaky

Emphasizes the instability and lack of solid foundation.

is a bit uncertain

Focuses on the lack of certainty or definiteness.

is reasonably questionable

Highlights the dubiousness or disputable nature of the subject.

is moderately unsupported

Replaces "tenuous" emphasizing a lack of support or evidence.

is kind of flimsy

Uses a more informal term, "flimsy", to suggest a lack of substance or strength.

is not very robust

Focuses on the lack of resilience or strength.

is loosely connected

Highlights the weak or indirect nature of the connection.

is barely sustainable

Emphasizes the difficulty in maintaining or supporting something.

FAQs

What does "is somewhat tenuous" mean?

The phrase "is somewhat tenuous" means that something is weak, uncertain, or not firmly established. It suggests a lack of strength or a fragile connection.

How can I use "is somewhat tenuous" in a sentence?

You can use "is somewhat tenuous" to describe an argument, a connection, or a situation that is not strongly supported. For example: "The evidence for his claim "is somewhat tenuous"."

What are some alternatives to "is somewhat tenuous"?

Alternatives to "is somewhat tenuous" include "is rather weak", "is fairly fragile", or "is slightly shaky". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is somewhat tenuous" in formal writing?

Yes, "is somewhat tenuous" is appropriate for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and conveys a precise meaning. However, be mindful of your audience and consider whether a simpler alternative would be more effective.