spurious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'spurious' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe something as false or not genuine. Example sentence: The evidence presented in court seemed spurious and unreliable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the reference to new summer schools was spurious.

The Guardian - Opinion

How spurious.

The Guardian

"Stanford has done a lot for this country," he told the local Daily Observer, calling Sir Allen's indictment "spurious".Sir Allen's businesses dominate the Caribbean country of just 85,000 people.

The Economist

General Dempsey stresses that any comparison between the no-fly zone established in Libya last year and the forcible imposition of something similar in Syria is spurious.

The Economist

Nor is the link to economic conditions as spurious as it might first appear.

The Guardian - Sport

A spurious tabloid rumour about an Oasis reunion often treads a similar path: "A source" chirrups of some tentative peace within the Gallagher camp.

The Guardian - Music

Along with bad economics, the government has engaged in the kind of scaremongering normally found on the fringes of the environmental movement, holding repeated inquiries into the totally spurious health risks of wind turbines.

The Guardian - Opinion

There have been some – albeit rather spurious – suggestions that England's captain might have considered his own position during this series, but Cook was adamant he has never been close to resigning.

The Guardian - Sport

The story of Game of Thrones is already basically just a Monopoly session writ large, full of aggressive trading and spurious imprisonments and players seeking to gain total control over their peers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It is a sad indictment on society that when once spurious claims making false, serious and highly damaging allegations have been made – especially where compensation is sought – that other similar claims may follow," it reads.

The Guardian - Film

The temptation to use these surveys to make much more precise forecasts of how votes might turn into seats proved too great for us all, but the new precision proved to be spurious.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spurious", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason why something is false or illegitimate to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "spurious" too frequently in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable, consider stronger, more precise synonyms like "unsubstantiated" or "erroneous" for enhanced impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "spurious" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are not genuine, authentic, or valid. Ludwig examples show its use in describing arguments, claims, and data as lacking a sound basis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spurious" is an adjective used to describe something false, not genuine, or illegitimate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media contexts. When writing, it's essential to use "spurious" to effectively convey the lack of authenticity in claims, arguments, or data. Consider stronger synonyms in highly formal writing. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can confidently integrate "spurious" into your vocabulary to add depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

false

A more general term for something that is not true.

fake

Implies a deliberate attempt to deceive.

bogus

Suggests something is counterfeit or not genuine.

counterfeit

Specifically refers to imitations intended to defraud.

inauthentic

Highlights a lack of genuineness or originality.

specious

Appears to be true but is actually false.

unfounded

Lacking a solid basis or foundation.

groundless

Similar to unfounded, emphasizing the absence of reason.

fallacious

Based on a mistaken belief or unsound reasoning.

deceptive

Intended to mislead or create a false impression.

FAQs

How to use "spurious" in a sentence?

You can use "spurious" to describe claims, arguments, or reasoning that are false or lack a sound basis. For example: "The company dismissed the allegations as "spurious"."

What can I say instead of "spurious"?

You can use alternatives like "false", "fake", or "bogus" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "spurious" and "specious"?

"Spurious" refers to something that's not genuine or true, while "specious" refers to something that appears correct or genuine but actually isn't. "Specious" implies deception, while "spurious" simply indicates a lack of validity.

Is it correct to use "spurious" in academic writing?

Yes, it is acceptable to use "spurious" in academic writing, especially when referring to data or claims that lack proper support or are misleading. However, ensure the tone remains objective and analytical.