shallow arguments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shallow arguments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe arguments that lack depth, substance, or thorough reasoning. Example: "The debate was unproductive, as both sides presented only shallow arguments that failed to address the core issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is our fault for not controlling the greed of a few and for so long swallowing their shallow arguments as to why they deserve so much.

The Guardian

At every step there's a Red Pill theory that can be cited, backing up shallow arguments with more shallow arguments that have a Special Name.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"For me, it's a moot point and a shallow argument.

Independent

That only leaves Gove with the shallow argument that our courts are shackled because they are bound to follow the decisions of the European court of human rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

Users would see a poorly reasoned, hyperbolic invocation of Nazis or the Holocaust and call the arguer to account, claiming the shallow argument had proved (or, sometimes, had "violated") Godwin's Law.

The Washington Post

Not surprisingly the anti-porn zealots are up in arms, claiming that it's a shallow argument being used to protect a porn ring.

TechCrunch

But all this celebrity hoopla in the hospital has raised the somewhat shallow argument of employing handsome doctors to improve public health.

Vice

Instead of arguing that GDP growth was a benefit to biodiversity - with the shallow argument that it put more money into conservation programs - they'll be pointing to the fact that species are declining despite no growth in GDP.

Huffington Post

And while such a correlation between pot use and intelligence has yet to be proven, one must be willing to ignore the racist roots of marijuana prohibition and the manner in which this unjust system of anti-drug enforcement still plays out today to make such a shallow argument in the first place.

Huffington Post

The shallower our arguments, the more intense we became.

The New Yorker

And a shallow ideological argument borrowed from the US has distracted from the blindingly obvious: a budget deficit of $40bn a year will only be eliminated by both reducing spending and increasing taxes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing an argument as "shallow", provide specific examples of where the reasoning falls short, such as missing evidence or logical fallacies. This makes your critique more constructive and persuasive.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling arguments as "shallow" without providing concrete reasons. This can come across as dismissive and fail to address the underlying issues effectively. Always substantiate your claim with evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shallow arguments" functions as a descriptive term, modifying the noun "arguments" with the adjective "shallow". It indicates that the arguments being presented lack depth, substance, or thorough consideration of the topic. As Ludwig AI explains, such arguments are poorly constructed or unconvincing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shallow arguments" is used to describe arguments lacking depth or substance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. While appearing most frequently in news and media, it can be applied in various contexts where critical analysis is needed. When using the phrase, be specific about the shortcomings of the arguments you're critiquing. Alternatives include "superficial arguments" and "weak arguments". Avoid overusing the term without providing clear justification or evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superficial arguments

This alternative emphasizes the lack of depth and thoroughness in the arguments.

weak arguments

This alternative focuses on the lack of strength and persuasiveness of the arguments.

flimsy arguments

This alternative highlights the fragility and lack of solid foundation of the arguments.

tenuous arguments

This alternative stresses the lack of a strong connection between the arguments and the evidence.

poor arguments

This alternative is a more general term for arguments that are of low quality.

unconvincing arguments

This alternative focuses on the inability of the arguments to persuade the audience.

hollow arguments

This alternative conveys the emptiness and lack of substance in the arguments.

specious arguments

This alternative implies that the arguments appear to be valid but are actually flawed.

simplistic arguments

This alternative emphasizes the oversimplified nature of the arguments.

underdeveloped arguments

This alternative highlights the lack of elaboration and detail in the arguments.

FAQs

How can I identify "shallow arguments" in a debate?

Look for arguments that lack supporting evidence, rely on logical fallacies, oversimplify complex issues, or fail to address counterarguments. Also, consider if the argument relies heavily on emotional appeals rather than facts.

What are some alternatives to saying "shallow arguments"?

You can use alternatives like "superficial arguments", "weak arguments", or "unconvincing arguments" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe an argument as "shallow"?

Yes, describing an argument as "shallow" generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the argument lacks depth, substance, or proper consideration of the issue at hand.

What makes an argument deep versus "shallow"?

A deep argument considers multiple perspectives, addresses potential counterarguments, and provides thorough supporting evidence, while a "shallow" argument lacks these qualities and often relies on oversimplification or emotional appeals.