less tenuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less tenuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is more solid, stable, or well-founded compared to something that is tenuous or weak. Example: "The evidence presented in the report is less tenuous than the claims made in the previous study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But there is a less tenuous reason for hope: arithmetic.

The New Yorker

So it had been five months since King could talk about Williams's tenuous future, or how the Nets might go about making it less tenuous.

The New York Times - Sports

Those footholds are far less tenuous these days, but the festival, now stationed permanently in Chicago (it opened an outpost in Chile this year), always pieces together an interesting show.

The New York Times - Arts

But in the Île-de-France region around Paris, on the contrary, the medieval traditions of French masonry construction, combined with the abundance of good freestone, caused theorists from the Renaissance to the time of the French Revolution to favour a less tenuous relationship between the external appearance of a building and the system by which it was constructed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After 5 years of contracting, I secured a less tenuous "term" status.

Science Magazine

Given the possibility for cross hybridization of probesets, the assumption that the observed expression values are independent is dubious, although less tenuous than in a non-controlled experiment.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Today block associations have a more tenuous, less visible role.

The New York Times

With every Pacquiao triumph, every career ended, Trampler finds himself in a less enviable, more tenuous position.

The New York Times - Sports

The claim that the direct loan program is "less expensive" is tenuous at best, as originating all loans through the direct loan program during the next five years would require roughly $500 billion in new Treasury borrowing.

The New York Times

So at least there's a less than entirely tenuous connection in that crypto instance.

TechCrunch

But there is less of a tenuous connection between Groupon and Detour than you might think.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, use "less tenuous" to show a relative increase in certainty or stability. For example, use it to highlight a stronger connection or a more reliable piece of evidence compared to previous instances.

Common error

Avoid using "less tenuous" in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it sounds overly formal and can make your speech seem unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "more certain" or "more reliable" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less tenuous" functions as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced degree of uncertainty or weakness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples show it describing relationships, futures, and assumptions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less tenuous" is a grammatically sound and usable comparative adjective that indicates a reduction in uncertainty or weakness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's best suited for formal contexts like news, science, and encyclopedic writing, where precision is valued. While "less tenuous" is appropriate for formal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "more reliable" or "more secure" in casual conversation to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more solid

Emphasizes the firmness and reliability of something.

more reliable

Highlights the dependability and trustworthiness.

more secure

Indicates a greater degree of safety and stability.

more stable

Focuses on the steadiness and resistance to change.

more robust

Suggests strength and resilience.

more sound

Implies a stronger foundation or reasoning.

more certain

Indicates a higher level of confidence and assurance.

more substantive

Emphasizes having a solid and meaningful content.

more established

Suggests a stronger history and acceptance.

more grounded

Focuses on being practical and realistic.

FAQs

What does "less tenuous" mean?

The phrase "less tenuous" describes something that is more solid, stable, or well-founded compared to something that is "tenuous" or weak.

How can I use "less tenuous" in a sentence?

You can use "less tenuous" to compare two things, indicating that one is more reliable or secure than the other. For instance, "The evidence presented in the report is less tenuous than the claims made in the previous study."

What are some alternatives to "less tenuous"?

You can use alternatives like "more solid", "more reliable", or "more secure" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "less tenuous" in formal writing?

Yes, "less tenuous" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of increased stability or certainty and can be used effectively in academic, professional, or news-related contexts.