tenuous basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tenuous basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or argument that is weakly supported or lacks solid foundation. Example: "The theory was built on a tenuous basis, making it difficult to gain widespread acceptance in the scientific community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Even on such a seemingly tenuous basis, Britain's counter-terrorism response was retooled.

The Guardian

But claims to continuity with the past, however accurate they may be, provide only a tenuous basis for claims to territory or identity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This may have seemed like a tenuous basis for divining Amy's mental state on the day of the shooting, but investigators wondered if Amy had seen the article as a kind of instruction manual.

The New Yorker

The tenuous basis for this claim is that a few of his paintings - most obviously The Singing Butler - have been widely reproduced on prints, posters, greetings cards, on coffee mugs, on umbrel las, on Marks & Spencer biscuit tins, and have sold in their millions - 12 million legally, but probably 10 times that in pirated versions.

The Guardian - Arts

Arjo et al. took this further suggesting that Seralini et al. "justify the use of commercial formulations rather than the pure active ingredient on the tenuous basis that environmental exposure is to the whole product.

Environmental Sciences Europe

The other problem is the non-binding nature of deeds and the lack of any enforcement mechanism for them, which may not result in concrete improvement of victim's right, and the link between the deed and obligations of subsistence rights is a somewhat tenuous basis for imposing a direct obligation on NSAGs.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The move's basis in evidence is tenuous.

Los Angeles Times

It is useless "K's" wanting to get to the castle unless the reader wants to get there too; the basis of sympathy between them is tenuous, and "K's" manners do not increase it.

The Guardian - Books

In adult endometrial tissue where angiogenesis occurs on a monthly basis, complex anastamosis of vessels and tenuous structures were clearly seen.

Microvascular Research

The taxonomy of Pocillopora is currently regarded as tenuous, e.g., some 16 species have been defined on the basis of morphological features, but cladistic groupings defined by molecular sequence data are not always congruent with these morphologically defined taxa (e.g., [ 31]).

BMC Genomics

The calm is tenuous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tenuous basis", ensure you clearly articulate why the foundation is weak. Provide specific examples or counterarguments to illustrate the lack of solid support.

Common error

Avoid presenting a claim built on a "tenuous basis" as if it were strongly supported. Acknowledge the limitations and uncertainties inherent in the foundation to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tenuous basis" functions as a noun phrase, where "tenuous" modifies "basis". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various writing contexts. It typically describes something that lacks a solid foundation or support.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tenuous basis" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, typically employed to describe a claim, argument, or justification lacking strong support. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples indicate its frequent use in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While not extremely common, it provides a nuanced way to express skepticism or uncertainty, making it a valuable addition to a writer's vocabulary. Remember to use it when you want to underscore the fragility or unsubstantiated nature of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flimsy foundation

Emphasizes the lack of robustness in the underlying support.

weak justification

Focuses on the inadequacy of the reasons provided.

shaky premise

Highlights the instability of the initial assumption.

fragile ground

Suggests that the supporting elements are easily broken or damaged.

dubious rationale

Implies a significant level of doubt or uncertainty about the reasoning.

questionable footing

Highlights the insecure nature of the supporting evidence or argument.

uncertain support

Focuses on the unreliable nature of the backing for a claim or idea.

speculative assumption

Indicates that the basis is based on conjecture rather than solid evidence.

thin argument

Highlights the lack of substance or depth in the presented reasoning.

implausible pretext

Suggests a fabricated or unbelievable reason used to justify something.

FAQs

How can I use "tenuous basis" in a sentence?

You can use "tenuous basis" to describe an argument or claim that lacks strong support. For example: "The politician's promises were based on a "tenuous basis", with little evidence to back them up."

What are some alternatives to "tenuous basis"?

Alternatives include "flimsy foundation", "weak justification", or "shaky premise", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "tenuous basis" in formal writing?

Yes, "tenuous basis" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express that something lacks strong support. The register remains "neutral".

What's the difference between "tenuous basis" and "weak basis"?

"Tenuous basis" suggests a slight or uncertain connection, while "weak basis" implies a general lack of strength. The nuance lies in the degree of uncertainty or slightness conveyed by "tenuous".