shaky document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shaky document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a document that is unreliable, poorly constructed, or lacking in credibility. Example: "The lawyer dismissed the evidence as a shaky document that could not be trusted in court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This shaky document proves to be a diary Maqroll kept while journeying up the (fictional) Xurandó River in a diesel-powered, flat-keeled barge.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

One day, Jacques composed a document in shaky juvenile script and thrust it in front of his father.

The New York Times - Magazine

In fact, the foundation for the government's claim was even shakier, according to the document: a single anonymous uncorroborated source quoting another single anonymous uncorroborated source.

The Guardian

The arguments are almost bizarrely puerile in a document that is a visibly shaky attempt to provide cover for a pre-determined premise.

Huffington Post

BNC specialized in making loans to consumers who couldn't document their incomes or who had shaky credit to begin with.

Forbes

Since this was exactly the same meridian as cited in some Portuguese documents, some suggest that the Dutch implicitly sought to back up their shaky claim by referring back to the Zaragoza Line.

The New York Times

Shaky coalitions?

The Economist

Data shaky.

The New York Times

Hot, shaky, sick.

Independent

His changeup was shaky.

The New York Times - Sports

Even before, looked shaky.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing legal or official papers, use "shaky document" to suggest the document's content or basis might not be entirely valid or trustworthy.

Common error

Avoid using "shaky document" when a document simply has minor errors. Reserve it for situations where the fundamental reliability or validity is seriously compromised.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shaky document" functions as an adjective-noun combination where "shaky" modifies "document". It describes the quality of the document, indicating that it's not solid, dependable, or trustworthy. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shaky document" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression that effectively describes a document lacking in reliability or validity. While considered rare in frequency, Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness, primarily within news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the potential for overstatement and opt for more precise alternatives if a document's flaws are minor. Synonyms such as "unreliable document" or "questionable document" offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for nuanced expression. Remember that while not inherently formal, choosing more specific terminology, like "poorly substantiated document", may be better suited for highly formal environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreliable document

Replaces "shaky" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of dependability of the document.

questionable document

Suggests the document's validity or truthfulness is in doubt.

dubious document

Similar to "questionable", but perhaps implying a stronger sense of skepticism.

tenuous document

Indicates that the document is weakly supported or based on flimsy evidence.

flawed document

Highlights that the document contains errors or imperfections.

weak document

Suggests the document lacks strength in its arguments or evidence.

fragile document

Emphasizes the document's vulnerability to being discredited or overturned.

poorly supported document

Directly states the document's lack of supporting evidence.

poorly substantiated document

Similar to 'poorly supported document', but focuses on the insufficient proof or validation of the document.

inconclusive document

Indicates the document doesn't lead to a definite conclusion or answer.

FAQs

What does "shaky document" mean?

A "shaky document" refers to a document that is unreliable, poorly supported, or questionable in its validity. It suggests that the information presented in the document cannot be fully trusted.

How can I use "shaky document" in a sentence?

You might say, "The lawyer dismissed the evidence as a "shaky document" that would not hold up in court." This implies the document's contents are easily challenged.

What are some synonyms for "shaky document"?

Alternatives include "unreliable document", "questionable document", or "tenuous document". Each highlights a slightly different aspect of the document's weakness.

Is "shaky document" a formal or informal term?

"Shaky document" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or legal settings, using a more precise term like "poorly substantiated document" might be preferable.