it seems spurious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems spurious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt about the authenticity or validity of something, suggesting that it may be false or misleading. Example: "The evidence presented in the report is questionable; it seems spurious and lacks proper verification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

More than ever it seems spurious to separate the funny Franco from the brow-furrowing one.

The Guardian - Film

As Kripke has insisted, it seems spurious to suggest that the question how we know which individual we are referring to when we make such a claim can be answered only by invoking a criterion of transworld identity.

SEP

Similarly, in case of an easily solved problem like ear wax blocking hearing, it seems spurious to explore emotions extensively.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The notion of hordes of diners demanding that the kitchen split portions seems spurious.

The New York Times

And her insinuation that their looming extinction stems from internal rifts, not simply emigration, seems spurious.

The Economist

The cease-and-desist from the Joyce estate seems spurious to me, contravening the spirit of fair use in the arts and sciences".

The New Yorker

While aid can be seen as a vehicle to "reduce the pressure for mass migration," as international development secretary Priti Patel has urged, even that motivation seems spurious under Trump.

The Guardian

If this seems spurious, then consider that a modest two-star hotel in a major European city can run around 95 to 120 Euros.

Huffington Post

gambiae LCRs seems spurious for several reasons.

Plosone

But, while the association might seem spurious, the specially created trailer generated 1m views.

The Guardian - Film

With hundreds of thousands of food-bank users in Britain, and 160 million malnourished children across the world, the question might seem spurious.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems spurious" when you want to politely express doubt about the validity of a claim or argument without directly accusing someone of lying or being intentionally misleading. It suggests a lack of solid evidence.

Common error

While acceptable, "it seems spurious" can sound somewhat vague in very formal contexts. Opt for stronger, more direct language if you have concrete evidence to support your doubts, such as "the data is unreliable" or "the methodology is flawed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems spurious" functions as a qualifier, softening a statement of doubt or disbelief. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is appropriate and usable. It serves to express skepticism about the validity or authenticity of something without making a direct accusation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems spurious" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express doubt or skepticism about the validity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its role in politely questioning claims lacking strong evidence. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register. If you are looking for alternatives, consider phrases such as "it appears doubtful" or "it sounds suspect". Be mindful not to overuse this phrase in highly formal writing; more direct language may be appropriate in certain scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears doubtful

Replaces "seems" with "appears", emphasizing a visual assessment of doubt rather than a feeling.

it looks questionable

Focuses on the appearance and raises a question about the validity.

it feels dubious

Emphasizes a subjective feeling of doubt or suspicion.

it sounds suspect

Highlights the auditory impression and implies a lack of credibility.

it rings hollow

Suggests a lack of sincerity or truthfulness.

it doesn't quite add up

Implies that the details don't logically connect or make sense.

it raises concerns

Emphasizes that the matter warrants attention and potential investigation.

it warrants skepticism

Suggests that a cautious and questioning attitude is appropriate.

it gives cause for doubt

Directly states that there is reason to be uncertain or disbelieve.

it smacks of falsehood

Implies a strong sense of deception or untruthfulness.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems spurious" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems spurious" to express doubt or disbelief in something that appears to be based on weak or unfounded reasoning. For example: "The justification for the budget increase "it seems spurious", lacking any real supporting data."

What can I say instead of "it seems spurious"?

You can use alternatives like "it appears doubtful", "it sounds suspect", or "it rings hollow" depending on the context.

Is "it seems spurious" formal or informal?

"It seems spurious" is suitable for both neutral and somewhat formal contexts. It is generally appropriate for academic, journalistic, and professional writing where a degree of politeness is required.

What's the difference between "it seems spurious" and "it is spurious"?

"It seems spurious" indicates a subjective impression or reasoned opinion that something lacks merit, while "it is spurious" is a more definitive statement of fact. The former expresses doubt; the latter asserts certainty.