tenuous idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tenuous idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea that is weak, fragile, or lacking in substance or support. Example: "The proposal was based on a tenuous idea that lacked sufficient evidence to be taken seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Starting from the most tenuous idea, he worked at white heat, improvising, discarding unpromising ideas, refining successful ones.

The Guardian - Books

Species extinction seems to be the baseline in humanity's relationship with the natural world; the notion of sanctuary is a relatively new and tenuous idea.

The New Yorker

It was the state-run Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, whose mandate was to link a culturally far-flung nation to the tenuous idea of Canadianness through a mix of news, call-in shows and Gordon Lightfoot.

The New York Times - Books

"The Fighter," "The Master" and "American Hustle" prompted the moviegoing public to assign to Adams the tenuous idea of playing against type, a notion that led to Oscar nominations for Deborah Kerr ("From Here to Eternity"), Mary Tyler Moore ("Ordinary People"), Tom Hanks ("Philadelphia") and Jonah Hill ("Moneyball"), among others.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

My relationship to reality is tenuous, so the idea of researching and creating empirical arguments was too much for my grasp of what's going on around me".

The Guardian - Books

Americans have always had a tenuous relationship with the idea of eccentricity, unlike our forebears in England, where eccentrics occupy a hallowed part of the cultural fabric.

Huffington Post

Such a common denominator may be how strongly the inhibitory network is modulated, but even this idea is somewhat tenuous.

European Journal of Neuroscience

The link to cardiovascular disease is a tenuous one at best--the idea being that saturated fats raise your cholesterol and triglyceride levels which in turn leads to cardiovascular disease.

Huffington Post

They're all tenuous and provisional, a clever little idea they had; it'd be nice, but it doesn't really matter one way or the other.

Vice

However, the estimate is tenuous.

The New York Times

This idea is so important during these tenuous and challenging times as we all search and struggle for some global meaning and sense of internal and external peace.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "tenuous idea", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the idea is considered weak or unsubstantiated. Provide specific reasons or evidence to support your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "tenuous idea" when the idea is simply novel or unconventional. The phrase implies a lack of substance, not just a departure from established norms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tenuous idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "tenuous" modifies the noun "idea". This construction typically serves to describe the quality of the idea, indicating its weakness or lack of substance. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tenuous idea" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a weak or unsubstantiated concept. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for written English and primarily found in News & Media contexts. While grammatically sound and appropriate for expressing skepticism, writers should ensure that its use is supported by evidence and avoids overstating the weakness of the idea. Alternative phrases like "fragile concept" or "weak concept" can be used depending on the nuance desired. The phrase serves to introduce a critical assessment and express doubt about the validity of an idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile concept

Focuses on the delicate and easily broken nature of the idea.

weak concept

Emphasizes the lack of strength and support for the idea.

flimsy notion

Highlights the insubstantial and unconvincing quality of the idea.

shaky premise

Focuses on the unstable foundation upon which the idea is built.

dubious theory

Suggests that the idea is questionable and unlikely to be true.

unsubstantiated claim

Highlights the lack of evidence to support the idea.

poorly supported argument

Focuses on the inadequate backing for the idea.

implausible hypothesis

Emphasizes the unlikelihood and lack of believability of the idea.

groundless assumption

Highlights the absence of any factual basis for the idea.

risky proposition

Suggests that the idea carries a high degree of uncertainty and potential failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "tenuous idea" to describe a concept that lacks strong support or evidence. For example: "The project's success hinges on a "tenuous idea" about market demand."

What are some alternatives to "tenuous idea"?

Alternatives to "tenuous idea" include "fragile concept", "weak concept", or "flimsy notion". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "tenuous idea" and "unproven theory"?

"Tenuous idea" suggests a lack of inherent strength or support, while "unproven theory" simply means that a theory hasn't been fully tested or verified. A "tenuous idea" might be inherently flawed, whereas an "unproven theory" might just need more data.

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

Yes, "tenuous idea" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to critically assess the strength of an idea. However, ensure your assessment is supported by evidence and avoid using the phrase in a dismissive or overly critical manner.