not persuasive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not persuasive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an argument, statement, or piece of writing that fails to convince or influence the audience. Example: "The author's reasoning was clear, but the evidence provided was not persuasive enough to change my opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is not persuasive.

The Guardian - Business

Alas, it is not persuasive.

The New York Times - Books

To skeptics, such assurances were not persuasive.

The New York Times

"That claim is obviously not persuasive to us," he said.

The New York Times

Such statistics are not persuasive by themselves, and the professors know it.

The New York Times

That was not persuasive, especially given his many recent power grabs.

The New York Times

But the figure to which she refers (see Page 10) is not persuasive.

The New York Times

But the economic argument is not persuasive enough to sway the politics.

The New York Times - Magazine

She called Apple's evidence "not persuasive," and accused its trial witnesses of being "less than forthcoming".

The New Yorker

"While this may be true, this reason is not persuasive," the ruling stated.

The New York Times

And Chris's last-act conversion from sad-sack patsy to devious score-settler is not persuasive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not persuasive", ensure you provide context as to why something lacks persuasiveness. This adds depth and clarity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "not persuasive" without explaining why. Support your assertion with specific reasons or examples to strengthen your critique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not persuasive" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, describing something that lacks the ability to convince or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It often appears after linking verbs like 'is' or 'was', or before nouns it modifies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not persuasive" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something that fails to convince or influence. Ludwig AI indicates it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. To enhance your writing, provide context explaining why something lacks persuasiveness, avoiding vague language. Alternatives include "unconvincing" and "not compelling". This guide offers insights into its proper usage, common errors, and effective alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unconvincing

A more concise and direct synonym, focusing on the lack of ability to convince.

not convincing

A direct synonym, highlighting the failure to bring about belief or agreement.

lacking persuasion

Emphasizes the absence of the act or power of persuading.

ineffective

Focuses on the lack of desired result or impact, in this case, to persuade.

not compelling

Highlights the failure to capture attention or interest in a way that leads to agreement.

falling flat

An idiomatic expression indicating a failure to produce the intended effect or impression.

not influential

Emphasizes the absence of power to affect someone's actions or decisions.

weak argument

Focuses on the feebleness or lack of strength in the presented reasoning.

flimsy justification

Highlights the lack of solid basis or support for a claim or action.

dubious

Suggests doubt or uncertainty about the validity or effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "not persuasive" in a sentence?

You can use "not persuasive" to describe an argument, statement, or piece of writing that fails to convince someone. For example, "The evidence presented was interesting, but ultimately "not persuasive" enough to change my mind."

What are some alternatives to saying "not persuasive"?

Some alternatives include "unconvincing", "not compelling", or "ineffective". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not persuasive"?

Yes, "not persuasive" is grammatically correct and widely used in English writing and speech. It follows standard grammatical rules and is easily understood.

What's the difference between "not persuasive" and "not convinced"?

"Not persuasive" describes the quality of something that fails to convince others, while "not convinced" describes someone's state of mind of not being convinced. For example, "The argument was "not persuasive", so I remained "not convinced"."