pretty flimsy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty flimsy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is weak, insubstantial, or lacking in strength or reliability. Example: "The evidence presented in the case was pretty flimsy, making it difficult to reach a solid conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The evidence for this is pretty flimsy.

The Economist

But it is pretty flimsy stuff.

The Guardian

The thing he was wearing looked pretty flimsy," I said.

The New Yorker

But opera would be pretty flimsy without the music.

The New Yorker

Foam is a pretty flimsy building material, yet frog nests are not slapdash affairs.

The New York Times - Science

After a while, but nowhere near soon enough, the disguise got pretty flimsy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

While he admitted it was "flimsy" and "pretty much a story built around a title", he thought it was "the finest episode two from Doctor Who in some time".

Wikipedia

It was the mantra of many dyed-in-the-wool Rockaway-ites that these pretty, modern homes were really flimsy matchboxes that would blow over in the first big storm.

The New York Times

Yes, it was flimsy and, yes, it was pretty much a story built around a title.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Buy a cheap one, and you will probably end up purchasing several more because pretty soon it will break, just like the flimsy shades you bought at the flea market.

The New York Times - Tech

That was a very flimsy branch, and the official gave up the argument pretty quickly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pretty flimsy" to describe an argument or excuse, consider adding context to illustrate why it is unconvincing. For example, "The suspect's alibi was "pretty flimsy", relying solely on his mother's testimony."

Common error

While "pretty flimsy" is acceptable, avoid overusing "pretty" as an intensifier in formal writing. Alternatives like "rather", "quite", or "somewhat" often provide a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty flimsy" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It's used to qualify a noun, indicating that something lacks substance, strength, or credibility. Ludwig AI examples show it modifying a variety of nouns, from arguments and evidence to physical objects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretty flimsy" is a commonly used adjective phrase that describes something lacking substance, strength, or credibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable in a neutral register, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain contexts. The examples found by Ludwig highlight its use in diverse scenarios, primarily within news and media, suggesting that while "pretty flimsy" effectively conveys a lack of conviction, writers should consider their audience and the overall tone of their writing when choosing this phrase. Alternatives like "rather weak", "fairly unconvincing", or "somewhat inadequate" may provide a more sophisticated tone in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little flimsy

Reduces the intensity using "a little" instead of "pretty".

rather weak

Replaces "pretty" with "rather", slightly weakening the intensity of the flimsiness.

quite unsubstantial

Substitutes "flimsy" with "unsubstantial", offering a more formal alternative.

fairly unconvincing

Shifts the focus to the lack of persuasiveness rather than physical flimsiness.

somewhat inadequate

Emphasizes the insufficiency or deficiency of something.

a bit fragile

Suggests a delicate and easily broken quality.

marginally credible

Highlights the low level of believability.

slightly shakey

Replaces "flimsy" to emphasis the uncertain or unstable nature of something.

relatively thin

Emphasizes the lack of depth or substance.

not very robust

Focuses on the lack of strength or durability.

FAQs

What does "pretty flimsy" mean?

The phrase "pretty flimsy" describes something that is weak, insubstantial, or not very convincing. It suggests a lack of strength, either literally or figuratively.

How can I use "pretty flimsy" in a sentence?

You can use "pretty flimsy" to describe various things, such as: "The evidence against him was "pretty flimsy"."; "The table was "pretty flimsy"."; "His excuse for being late was "pretty flimsy".

What can I say instead of "pretty flimsy"?

You can use alternatives like "rather weak", "somewhat inadequate", or "fairly unconvincing" depending on the context.

Is "pretty flimsy" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "pretty flimsy" might be considered too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "quite unsubstantial" or "marginally credible" for a more professional tone.