superficial justification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "superficial justification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a rationale or reasoning that lacks depth or thoroughness, often used in discussions about arguments or decisions. Example: "The committee's decision was based on a superficial justification that failed to address the underlying issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hence, courts have allowed governments to trample gun rights with only superficial justification, in ways inconceivable if the right at issue was speech or privacy.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I like the idea of students arguing and debating in multiple disciplines -- choosing a position and giving justification that's not shallow and superficial but has some depth to it.

Huffington Post

Therefore, even before people are tortured, there is a superficial assumption of their lack of humanity, and a justification that divides people into categories: human and inhuman, the former that cannot be tortured and the latter that can.

Huffington Post

Voter ID requirements at least have the superficial appearance of addressing the integrity of elections, although in practice the justification is bogus.

The Guardian - Opinion

Use of un-anaesthetised animals restrained for more than 2 h must be avoided except where there is exceptional justification, for example, for animals recovering from general anaesthesia after cannulation of superficial vessels before imaging.

British Journal of Cancer

Nothing superficial".

The New Yorker

Superficial reconciliation can bring only superficial healing.

University of California, Berkeley

There's your justification.

Independent

And with some justification".

Encyclopedia Britannica

No such justification exists".

The New Yorker

The justification?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "superficial justification", consider providing a more robust or complete justification to highlight the deficiencies of the original argument.

Common error

Avoid using "superficial justification" without clearly explaining why the justification is superficial. Provide specific examples or reasoning to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "superficial justification" functions as a critical descriptor, characterizing a rationale or reason as lacking depth, substance, or thoroughness. Ludwig AI confirms it is usable in written English and appropriate for discussions about arguments or decisions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "superficial justification" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, albeit relatively rare in occurrence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's employed to critique reasons or explanations that lack depth or thorough consideration. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, its purpose is to express skepticism towards inadequately supported rationales. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context to demonstrate why the justification is superficial. Consider alternatives like "weak rationale" or "shallow explanation" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak rationale

This alternative suggests the reasoning is unconvincing or easily refuted.

shallow explanation

Focuses on the lack of depth in the provided explanation.

thinly veiled excuse

Implies the justification is a pretense to hide the real reason.

flimsy pretext

Highlights the insubstantial nature of the stated reason.

dubious justification

Emphasizes the questionable validity of the justification.

inadequate rationale

Focuses on the insufficient nature of the rationale provided.

poorly supported reason

Highlights the lack of evidence or support for the reason given.

specious reasoning

Suggests the reasoning appears correct but is actually fallacious.

token justification

Implies the justification is given only as a formality, without real conviction.

hollow argument

Highlights the emptiness or lack of substance in the argument presented.

FAQs

How can I use "superficial justification" in a sentence?

You can use "superficial justification" to describe an explanation or reason that lacks depth or is not well-supported, as in: "The committee's decision was based on a "superficial justification" that failed to address the core issues."

What are some alternatives to saying "superficial justification"?

Some alternatives include "weak rationale", "shallow explanation", or "flimsy pretext".

What does it mean for a justification to be "superficial"?

A "superficial justification" means the given reason is shallow, lacking in depth or thorough consideration. It doesn't address the underlying issues or complexities.

Is it better to provide a detailed explanation or a "superficial justification"?

It's generally better to provide a detailed explanation, as a "superficial justification" suggests a lack of understanding or a deliberate attempt to avoid addressing difficult issues. Aim for thoroughness and clarity in your reasoning.